Souss-Massa Region: CNDH Regional Commission Organizes the Third Session of the University Days for Human Rights
The Regional Human Rights Commission (CRDH) in the Souss-Massa Region, in partnership with the Faculty of Languages, Arts and Humanities of Ait Melloul - Ibn Zohr University in Agadir, Morocco, is organizing the third session of the University Days for Human Rights on 29 February and 1 March 2024, at the Ait Melloul University Campus in Agadir.
This year’s University Days are themed under “Solidarity” following the first session on “Violence against Women” and the second on “Art and Human Rights.”
They aim to stimulate public discourse on solidarity in the Moroccan context exploring various perspectives.
Mr. Mohamed Charef, CRDH President, will deliver an opening lecture on Thursday 29 February 2024, titled “Solidarity... from Moroccan traditions to human rights discourse.”
The first day’s program features workshops addressing issues related to culture and values of solidarity. Topics include psychological support in crises, the right to health in an earthquake, volunteerism and human rights.
CRDH members and university professors will facilitate these workshops designed for students.
The second day’s program encompasses two sessions. The first session will delve into “scientific Opinions on Solidarity,” while the second will focus on presenting testimonies and experiences related to the values of solidarity during the recent Al Haouz earthquake.
Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Region: CRDH organizes a Round Table on Legal and Social Protection of the Child
The Regional Human Rights Commission (CRDH) in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region is organizing a round table on the Legal and Social Protection of the Child on Wednesday 31 January 2024, at 11 am, at the CRDH headquarters in Dakhla, Morocco.
Stakeholders will shed light on laws, public policies and programs aiming to protect and promote children’s rights and the challenges and difficulties hindering their optimal implementation.
Partner institutions and civil society actors working in the field of childhood will participate in this round table.
Promoting UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: A Visit to Morocco by the Chair of the UN WG on BHR
Upon the invitation of Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), Mr. Damilola Olawuyi, Chair of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights (UNWG BHR), will conduct an academic visit to Morocco from January 29 to February 1, 2024.
This four-day visit is part of technical cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, mainly engaging mandate holders under special procedures. These independent mechanisms are established by the UN Human Rights Council and can be either an individual (referred to as a Special Rapporteur (SR) or Independent Expert (IE)) or a five-member Working Group (WG).
The main objective of this visit is to promote the UN Guiding Principles on BHR. The program includes several working meetings with institutional actors and conferences at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat and Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
Training sessions on BHR are also planned for the CNDH staff and the twelve Regional Commissions, as well as the Moroccan National Contact Point and key civil society actors active in the field of BHR. These training sessions will take place at the Rabat-Driss Benzekri Institute for Human Rights.
The missions of the UN Working Group on BHR encompass promoting the dissemination and implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on BHR, supporting initiatives to enhance capacity building and utilization of the Guiding Principles, and, upon request, providing opinions and recommendations on the development of national laws and policies related to BHR.
CNDH launches the Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER)
2004-2024
20 Years of Truth, Equity and Reconciliation
Commemorating a Milestone and a Process
In 2024, the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER), a significant milestone in Morocco’s journey toward equity, justice and structural reforms. The activities planned for this commemoration will kick off on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 4:30 pm at the Council’s headquarters in Rabat, Morocco, with an exhibition featuring photos and videos of the IER and the Committee in charge of following up to the implementation of its recommendations.
“The IER is one of the key turning points in Morocco’s contemporary history. It is a unique and pioneering experience, distinguished by its contextual relevance, approaches, components, significations and impact“; “it stands out within comparative transitional justice experiences, as it was driven by the will of both the state and society." "Today, we celebrate not only a milestone but also a journey of reforms and social dynamics that society has successfully realized," Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson.
Through this transitional justice experience, recognized as a reference by various countries and organizations, Morocco has successfully crafted a distinctive and innovative model in the regional landscape. The country conducted a profound examination of its history, transforming it into a driving force that shapes its future. Many milestones have been achieved over the past two decades, including the reparation of victims and their families, the constitutional revisions incorporating the IER’s recommendations, upholding principles of equity and justice, safeguarding archives and memory and establishing constitutional guarantees for non-repetition. Efforts extended to implementing a new concept of security governance, restructuring the judiciary and establishing measures to prevent torture. These achievements have been driven by a forward-looking vision that defined the broader context of the national transitional justice experience, and more specifically, the experience of the IER.
Through this year-long commemoration, CNDH aims to highlight this experience and its impact on consolidating democracy and the rule of law in Morocco, and underscore Morocco’s enduring commitment to advancing human rights. The celebration will encompass a rich and varied program, highlighting the depth and impact of this experience through main themes such as memory and history, reports and publications, documentary presentations, as well as artistic, cultural and academic events, all designed to resonate at regional, national, and international levels.
CNDH Shares its Experience in the field of Human Rights with the Ethiopian NHRI
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) will host a delegation from the Ethiopian National Human Rights Institution, led by Mr. Daniel Bekele, from 18 to 21 December 2023, at the Rabat Driss Benzekri Institute, in Rabat, Morocco, as part of a study visit.
This visit will focus on strengthening capacities and sharing experiences related to human rights with the Ethiopian NHRI.
It is part of enhancing relations and cooperation with institutions that are members of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI). The program for this visit will include sessions on the CNDH prerogatives in different areas, emphasizing monitoring and protection of human rights, processing complaints, protecting human rights in places of deprivation of liberty, data processing using IT tools, rights of foreigners, and protection of persons with disabilities and children, among other topics.
The program will also feature sessions for sharing insights on Moroccan and Ethiopian NHRIs mandates, missions and actions, and the Moroccan transitional justice experience among others.
Stakeholders will shed light on the CNDH experience as an NHRI hosting the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture (NPM). They will focus on the NPM organization, prerogatives, methodology and techniques of its visits to places of deprivation of liberty, management of interviews, interaction with UN mechanisms, preparation of reports, Universal Periodic Review, etc.
The opening session is scheduled for Monday 18 December 2023 at 10 a.m.
Marrakech-Safi Region: CNDH Regional Commission Holds its 10th Ordinary Meeting
The Regional Human Rights Commission in the Marrakech-Safi Region (CRDH) will hold its tenth ordinary meeting on Friday 15 December 2023, in Marrakech, Morocco.
This meeting is organized in line with the provisions of Articles 35 and 36 of the Rules of Procedures of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and in implementation of its annual action program.
Mr. Mustafa Laârissa, CRDH President, will chair this meeting.
The agenda will include presentations on the CRDH draft annual report for 2023, CRDH action program for 2024, and approval of CRDH members’ draft annual reports.
The installation of the CNDH Regional Commission in the Marrakech-Safi Region was chaired by Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, on 22 October 2020. It is composed of a three standing committees with missions focused on the protection of human rights, promotion of human rights, and follow-up and assessment of the effectiveness of human rights in public policies and regional programs.
Oriental Region in Morocco: CNDH Regional Commission Holds its Third Ordinary Meeting in 2023
The Regional Human Rights Commission in the Moroccan Oriental Region (CRDH) will hold its third ordinary meeting in 2023, on Friday 15 December 2023, at the CRDH headquarters in Oujda, Morocco.
This meeting is organized in accordance with the provisions of Articles 35 and 36 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and in part of the implementation of its annual action program.
Mr. Mohamed Amarati, CRDH President will chair this meeting.
The agenda of this meeting includes presentations on the CRDH outcomes between the 2nd and the 3rd ordinary meetings for 2023, assessment of CRDH achievement and its Standing Committees, and approval of CRDH members’ draft annual reports.
The installation of the CNDH Regional Commission in the Moroccan Oriental Region was chaired by Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, on Friday 16 October 2020. It is composed of three Standing Committees with missions focused on the protection of human rights, promotion of human rights, and follow-up and assessment of the effectiveness of human rights in public policies and regional programs.
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI: International Symposium in Rabat on “Is the Universal Humanist Ideal Unfulfilled?”
75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) is organizing an international symposium entitled “Is the Universal Humanist Ideal Unfulfilled?” on 7 and 8 December 2023 at the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco in Rabat, Morocco.
The proceedings of this international symposium will start with the reading of the sublime message of His Majesty King Mohammed VI addressed to the participant. This event seeks to serve as a space for sharing ideas and insights aiming to reaffirm the collective commitment to a world where individuals experience justice, enjoy, dignity and freedom.
“Engaging various perspectives, our comprehensive discussion will center on the universality of human rights, emphasizing a dynamic process of progressive involvement in individual and collective appropriation, where national culture finds its natural place without conflict or contradiction.”
Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson
The symposium will also provide an opportunity to question humanity's capacity to transcend its boundaries to build a shared structure nourished by diverse national paths, with academic and intellectual depth. It employs analysis to understand traditional and emerging challenges within a context influenced by the multiple effects of globalization and local and national cultural expressions.
Authors, philosophers, historians, journalists and artists, along with Moroccan thinkers, experts, activists and writers will participate in this event. They will engage over two days in discussions related to the universality of human rights in light of the profound transformations and emerging challenges facing the world.
This symposium will delve into six key themes through different expert panels, including “Universality of Human Rights in constantly Changing Contexts”, “Africa in the International Human Rights System- Toward an active Presence”, “Morocco’s Engagement in the International Human Rights System- an Inclusive and Constantly Consolidating Process”, “Shared challenges and Responsibilities Facing Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Digitalization”, “Human Rights Culture: a Lever for Promoting Universality”, and “Art and Imagination Serving a Universal Humanistic Vision.”
In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, the CNDH, the Bank Al Maghrib, and the Poste Maroc will also organize a ceremony to present a coin and a postage stamp issued to commemorate the occasion. This event will be held in partnership with the United Nations Information Center (UNIC) on Thursday evening, 7 December 2023, starting at 6 pm at the Bibliothèque nationale du Royaume du Maroc, in Rabat, Morocco.
International Seminar: Protection of the Rights of Migrant Women in Morocco and Spain- Achievements, Emerging Challenges and Perspectives for Action
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH), in partnership with the Observatory of the Rights of Persons of the Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB), is organizing on 5 December 2023, in Rabat, Morocco, an international seminar on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Women in Spain and Morocco: Achievements, Emerging Challenges, and Perspectives for Action.
In alignment with global migration momentum, this seminar is part of an ongoing series of discussions on migration issues, particularly the protection of the rights of migrant women.
The objective of this seminar is to initiate a thorough debate on the complex challenges associated with migration and propose collaborative and comprehensive approaches. Besides, it also aims to provide an analysis of the migratory journeys of women between Morocco and Spain, focusing on specific issues relating to their protection, encompassing both legal considerations and the context of mobility between Morocco and Spain.
Bringing together experts from the Barcelona Bar, the Defensor del Pueblo of Spain and experts in human rights, gender, and migration from Morocco and Spain, this event will provide a platform to discuss current protection frameworks and potential challenges. The aim is to formulate concrete recommendations that can improve the situation of migrant women in the migration context between Morocco and Spain.
Participants will address key topics including the dynamics of migration between Morocco and Spain, protection of the rights of migrants within this framework, and both judicial and extrajudicial mechanisms for the protection of human rights. These in-depth discussions will provide a comprehensive understanding of the specific challenges encountered by this vulnerable population.
Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson and Mr. Jesus Sánchez Garcia, President of the Human Rights Commission of the CICAC (Catalan Bar Association) and Dean of the ICAB will launch the opening session of this event.
CNDH-UN Regional Workshop on Enhancing the Knowledge Hub Related Women’s Rights for the Middle East and North Africa
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) are organizing a pioneering regional workshop for the Middle East and North Africa on the Knowledge Hub related to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
This event is part of the United Nations Project “Believing in Rights” and is scheduled for 22 and 23 November 2023 at 9:00 am at the CNDH headquarters in Rabat, Morocco.
This initiative aims to initiate a dialogue in the Middle East and North Africa within the framework of the UN Project “Believing in Rights” and its connections to the CEDAW. The focus will be on the implementation of the relations between religions and women’s rights. Furthermore, the workshop seeks to advance efforts in implementing CEDAW by enhancing the capacities of religious, educational and media stakeholders in the region.
Participants in this workshop will explore several initiatives that National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) can adopt in this context and consider innovative initiatives. They will examine how parliamentarians can effectively engage with the Knowledge Hub of the CEDAW and analyze the role of their involvement in enhancing women’s rights in national legislation. This workshop will be an opportunity to provide recommendations for lifting reservations to CEDAW in the Arab and North African regions.
Participants will address key topics, including:
- CEDAW and International Human Rights Law
- Religion and Women’s Rights
- The “Believing in Rights” Project with a focus on its interconnections with CEDAW and its impact on Women’s Rights in the Arab Region,
- The Role of NHRIs in supporting the Knowledge Hub of CEDAW,
- The Role of Religious actors in supporting the Knowledge Hub of CEDAW and how it can positively influence the development and protection of women’s rights in the Arab region and the lifting of reservations to CEDAW,
- Mechanisms for the engagement of parliamentarians in the Knowledge Hub of CEDAW.
Mrs. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, and Dr. Ibrahim Salama, Director of the Human Rights Treaties Branch at OHCHR, will take part in the opening session of this event.
Representatives from NHRIs, professors, journalists from the Middle East and religious actors will also participate in this workshop.