Press release
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) is following up on the measures taken by the relevant authorities subsequent to the discovery of human bone remains during excavation works aiming to restructure and restore the Dakhla Municipality headquarters in Morocco, on 20 March 2024.
Following interaction with all relevant stakeholders and initial data collection, the CNDH highlighted the importance of the Public Prosecution’s decision to investigate the matter and conduct the necessary genetic analysis on the remains...
The President of the CNDH Regional Commission in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, commissioned by CNDH Chairperson, conducted a working session with local authorities to verify the information circulating on social media networks on this matter.
Derâa-Tafilalet Region: Interactive Meeting on Foreigners Integration Methods and the Effectiveness of Human Rights
In implementation of its annual action program for 2024, the Regional Human Rights Commission (CRDH) in the Derâa-Tafilalet region is organizing an interactive meeting with the Confederation of Foreign African Students and Trainees (known under its French acronym Confédération des Élèves, Étudiants, Stagiaires Africains et Étrangers au Maroc - CESAM) Errachidia section, on Foreigners Integration Methods and the Effectiveness of Human Rights, on Wednesday 20 March 2024, at the CRDH headquarters in Errachidia, Morocco.
This meeting is part of the strategy of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) founded on openness and intending to foster public debate with various partners to enhance the effectiveness of human rights and freedoms. This meeting aims to promote consultation and participatory cooperation with all components of civil society.
The agenda of this meeting will focus on the missions and roles of the CNDH, its CRDHs and its national mechanisms. It will also include presentations on Law 02-03 on the entry and stay of foreigners in Morocco, emigration and illegal immigration, National Strategy on Migrations and Asylum, as well as the fundamental role of intercultural exchange in facilitating genuine integration into society.
Draa-Tafilalet Region: CRDH holds its Eleventh Regular Meeting
In line with the requirements of Law 76-15 relating to the reorganization of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and its Rules of Procedure and in implementation of its annual action program 2024, the Regional Human Rights Commission (CRDH) in the Draa-Tafilalet region will hold its eleventh regular meeting on Thursday 7 March 2024, at 9.30 am at the CRDH headquarters in Errachidia, Morocco.
Mrs. Fatima Aarrach, CRDH President, will chair this meeting.
The agenda of this meeting includes a presentation of the outcome of the CRDH Standing Committees, presentation and approval of the action program for the second session of 2024, outcomes of meetings and training sessions organized by the CNDH, presentation of CRDH members’ reports for discussion and approval.
On the sidelines of this meeting, the CRDH will sign a framework agreement for cooperation and partnership with the regional directorate Office of Vocational Training and Labor Promotion (OFPPT) as part of the CRDH actions to promote human rights culture in vocational training spaces in the region.
It is noteworthy that the CRDH installation was chaired by Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, on October 8, 2020. The CRDH is composed of three standing committees with the following missions: Protection of human rights, Promotion of human rights and following up on and assessing the effectiveness of human rights in public policies and regional programs.
Contact: +212535791182 - crdh.draatafilalet@cndh.org.ma
Contributions of Moroccan Women to Truth, Equity and Reconciliation Process
In commemoration of International Women's Day and the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER), the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) will celebrate the contributions of Moroccan women to the process of truth, equity and reconciliation, on Friday 8 March 2024, at 10 am at the CNDH headquarters in Rabat, Morocco.
This event will include testimonies from former victims, their families or their rightful claimants, besides following up on the IER’s actions.
Participants will visit the photo exhibition featuring the IER experience and documenting the contributions of Moroccan women, including women’s writings on prison literature, and paintings and works of art created by young women and men, including persons with disabilities.
Within the same context, the CNDH will pay tribute to one of the staff for her remarkable services and her ongoing support for former victims or their rightful claimants.
Beni Mellal-Khenifra Region: CRDH holds its 11th Regular Meeting
The Regional Human Rights Commission (CRDH) in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, Morocco, will hold its 11th regular meeting in the Bine El Ouidane commune in the Azilal province, Morocco, on 8 and 9 March 2024, in implementation of its annual action program 2024 and in line with the requirements of Law 76-15 relating to the reorganization of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and its Rules of Procedure.
Mr. Ahmed Tawfiq Zainbi, CRDH President, will chair this meeting.
The agenda includes presentations of the Standing Committees’ outcome, reports developed by CRDH members, CRDH activities since the beginning of 2024 and updates on the standing committees’ action program for the next period.
Members will also discuss, on the second day, the thematic report on vulnerability in the Fkih Ben Salah region, Morocco, and the effectiveness of the right to education in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region.
It is noteworthy that the CRDH installation was chaired by Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, on October 23, 2020. The CRDH is composed of three Standing Committees with the following missions: Protection of human rights, Promotion of human rights and following up on and assessing the effectiveness of human rights in public policies and regional programs.
Moroccan Oriental Region: Training Session on Monitoring and Following Up on Protests and Peaceful Demonstrations in Public Spaces
The Regional Human Rights Commission (CRDH) in the Oriental Region of Morocco is organizing a training session on “Monitoring and Following Up on Protests and Peaceful Demonstrations in Public Spaces” on Thursday 7 March 2024, in Oujda, Morocco.
This initiative is in line with the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) mandate related to monitoring, protecting and promoting human rights and enhancing their effectiveness.
This training session aims to empower local stakeholders with the necessary skills to navigate the intricacies of fieldwork, emphasizing the processes involved in monitoring and documenting protests and peaceful demonstrations in line with their legal framework.
This event is designed to be particularly beneficial for civil activists and individuals engaged in media and communication.
Madrid: CNDH Chairperson, Ms. Amina Bouayach, awarded with the 2024 Women of the Future Prize
Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), was awarded on Monday 4 March 2024, in Madrid, Spain, with the “Women of the Future Prize 2024” by the Spanish-French Friendship Association, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting human rights.
The award committee praised the outstanding career of Ms. Amina Bouayach, symbolizing the enduring fight for justice, equality and human rights..., highlighting that her commitment and determination persistently extend beyond the boundaries of Morocco.
The award committee also said that Ms. Amina Bouayach is a prominent advocate for human rights, promoting a comprehensive perspective and demonstrating a firm commitment to building a better future for all.
The Prize was granted to Mrs. Karima Benaich, Ambassador of Morocco to Spain, by Mrs. Carmen Calvo, President of the Spanish Council of State, at a ceremony celebrating the Seventh International Conference on Women and Diplomacy.
In her video statement, the Moroccan woman, belonging to both Muslim and Amazigh identities, welcomed the ongoing reforms reflecting the will of the Moroccan State to enhance women’s access to positions of responsibility for more than two decades. She dedicated the Prize to every woman deserving admiration for her daily struggles and extended support and appreciation to all women engaged in the daily effort for women’s rights.
CNDH Chairperson highlighted the need to defend ideas that challenge stereotypes and occasionally resist prevailing trends in an environment that may not yet be receptive to them. Emphasizing that human rights advocacy seeks to share experiences with those willing to defend the universal human rights values, she invited all dissenting voices to engage in discussion and dialogue to ensure the effective enjoyment of the rights of all Moroccans.
Deraâ-Tafilalet Region: Workshop on the Role of Prison Law Enforcement Officials and the Effectiveness of Human Rights
The Regional Human Rights Commission (CRDH) in the Deraâ-Tafilalet region, in coordination with the Public Prosecution Office of the Judicial Department in Errachidia, Morocco, and the Regional Directorate for Prison Administration and Reintegration in the Deraâ-Tafilalet Region, is organizing a workshop on the Role of Prison Law Enforcement officials and the Effectiveness of Human Rights. The workshop will take place at 10 am on Tuesday 5 March 2024 in Errachidia, Morocco.
This workshop is part of the development of the CRDH action program for 2024 and aligns with the mandate of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) related to the protection of human rights.
This workshop aims to reinforce the capacities of prison law enforcement officials in the region in terms of implementing international and national human rights standards and respecting the four human rights principles: legality, necessity, proportionality and accountability.
It also intends to familiarize prisons law enforcement officials with the requirements of the International Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), its Optional Protocol (OPCAT) and the CNDH-National Preventive Mechanism against Torture (NPM).
Mrs. Fatima Aarrach, CRDH President, will chair the opening session of this workshop.
Representatives from the Presidency of the Public Prosecution in Errachidia , Regional Directorate for Prison Administration and Reintegration, as well as officials from the four prisons in the Deraâ-Tafilalet region, will participate in this workshop.
Press Release
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) welcomes the publication of the pledges it submitted to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). They were published on the United Nations (UN) website as part of its Human Rights Initiative launched on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
In his statement at the high-level session held within the framework of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), the High Commissioner noted the adoption of 770 concrete pledges by 153 member states, including the Kingdom of Morocco as well as 15 National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), among them CNDH.
The CNDH’s five pledges submitted to the UN focus on continuing to encourage the state to ratify all major human rights conventions and ensure their implementation at the national level. These pledges also emphasize the commitment to ongoing participation in developing new human rights instruments and international standards to contribute to strengthening human rights protection, taking into account emerging issues related to human rights.
The CNDH is also committed to strengthening the African Network of National Preventive Mechanisms against Torture (NPMs), particularly by mobilizing financial and human resources and establishing a secretariat, which will be in Morocco. This network will facilitate exchanging best practices and support addressing challenges facing NPMs in Africa. It will also encourage other African countries to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) and establish NPMs. The CNDH chairs this network, which was set up following the Marrakech Conference in June 2023.
The CNDH is also committed to addressing emerging issues in the field of human rights, such as the impacts of artificial intelligence and climate change on the enjoyment of human rights, as well as strengthening capacities, developing the necessary tools, and preparing thematic reports in the coming years on these issues.
As an NHRI and NPM, the CNDH is committed to conducting preventive and protective visits to all places of deprivation of liberty throughout Morocco over the next ten years. The CNDH is also committed to preparing visit reports and follow up on the implementation of recommendations with the relevant authorities.
The CNDH also pledges to encourage dialogue between all stakeholders to develop an action plan on Business and Human Rights (BHR) in line with the UN guidelines in this regard. It is noteworthy that the CNDH has been recommending the adoption of this plan in its various annual reports and had organized an academic visit at the beginning of this year for the President of the UN working group on BHR.
Souss-Massa Region: CNDH Regional Commission holds its Tenth Regular Meeting
In line with the requirements of Law 76-15 relating to the reorganization of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and Article 36 of its Rules of Procedure, the Regional Human Rights Commission (CRDH) in Souss-Massa Region will hold its tenth regular meeting, on Saturday 2 March 2024, in Agadir, Morocco.
The agenda of this meeting includes a presentation of the outcome of the CRDH’s Standing Committees’ actions conducted between the ninth and tenth regular meetings and the CRDH annual plan 2024. Commission members will present their thematic reports for deliberation and approval.
It is noteworthy that the CRDH installation was chaired by Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, on 18 September 2020. It is composed of 21 members who were proposed by the regional representative bodies of judges, lawyers, Higher Ulema Council, doctors, professional journalists, and civil society associations, in addition to actors working in the field of protection and promotion of human rights from all regions of Souss-Massa, Morocco.