ONLINE INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON "PROCREATION, WOMEN'S RIGHTS, BIOETHICS AND RELIGIONS: COMPARATIVE APPROACH"
Nezha Guessous, university Professor and Consultant in Human Rights and Bioethics, organizes an online international meeting on "Procreation, women's rights, bioethics and religions: Comparative approach" on 25 and 26 May 2021.
She is Coordinator of the Standing Committee on Parity, Non-Discrimination and New Generations of Human Rights at the National Human Rights Council (CNDH). Mrs. Guessous is Holder of Averroès Chair on Mediterranean Islam 2019-2020- Institut Méditerranée des Recherches avancées of the University Aix - Marseille (IMéRA/A*Midex-AMU).
The international meeting on "Procreation, women's rights, bioethics and religions: Comparative approach" will be organized in partnership with Aix-Marseille Université, La Fondation d’Islam de France, Les Rencontres d’Averroès and A*Midex.
From the perspective of various international experiences, this event will focus on the development of technologies of assisted procreation and the new issues that may arise from them, mainly bioethics in various socio-cultural contexts.
These new technologies are considered to place women at the center of risks related to sexuality, parenthood and parentage. It also affects issues related to the essence of the individual, family and social life.
Experts and specialists in this field from France, Canada, Tunisia, Turkey, Belgium, the Netherlands, Iran, etc. will take part in this event.
The Averroès Chair was established on the initiative of Mr. Thierry Fabre within the framework of the Mediterranean Program (IMéRA). It aims at providing an open space for critical thought in contemporary Islam and to explore new areas of thought, by hosting international researchers and experts.
To access data, program and summaries of the participants in the meeting and their CVs, click on the following link:
https://imera.univ-amu.fr/fr/averroes-chair-international-meeting-procre...
This international meeting can be followed via this link:
univ-amu-fr.zoom.us/j/94426415888?pwd=d2hhL0lFTTM2KzdrRWxTTHVpT2pZZz09
Access code: 94426415888
Secret code: 707356
INTERSESSIONAL PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT: MRS. BOUAYACH STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY WARNING IN PREVENTION AND PROTECTION AND CALLS FOR THINKING ON EXPANDING THE CONCEPT OF R2P TO INCLUDE HEALTH CRISES
Mrs. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), participated in the Intersessional Panel Discussion on the 15th Anniversary of the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
This online event was organized on Tuesday 11 May 2021 by the Human Rights Council (HRC).
Mrs. Bouayach stressed the importance of early warning in prevention and protection and strengthening relations with the United Nations mechanisms to enhance the prevention of gross violations of human rights. She also called for thinking on expanding the concept of "responsibility to protect" to include health crises.
Ms. Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, H.E. Ms. Keva Lorraine Bain, Vice-President of the Human Rights Council, Ms. Savita Pawnday, Deputy Executive Director, Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, Ms. Rita Izsák-Ndiaye, Member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and former Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues and Mr. Andrei Serbin Pont, President, Coordinadora Regional de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales (CRIES) took part in this high-level meeting.
Representatives of several National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and civil society from several countries also participated in this event.
On this occasion, Mrs. Bouayach indicated that the Moroccan Constitution provides for human rights principles and standards through three levels: emphasis on rights, prohibition of infringing upon them and criminalization of their violation. In addition to the international reference, it constitutes a framework for preventing, protecting and promoting human rights ... She also added that the law punishes all acts of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
CNDH Chairperson also highlighted the role of the CNDH in preventing human rights violations by adopting a comprehensive approach taking into account both legal and illegal factors. Within this context, she affirmed that the CNDH actions are based on three main axes: Prevention of dangerous speeches, Monitoring human rights and Preserving memory.
In the same context, Mrs. Bouayach announced that in the coming days, a Unit will be established to preserve memory, promote history with its various tributaries, and reinforce Moroccan multiple-identity and consolidate it in school curricula and programs.
Speaking on the importance of partnership with civil society for prevention and protection, Mrs. Bouayach underlined the CNDH’s attention to establishing a civil society network that is constantly renewed as part of an integrated strategy to combat hate speech, violence and incitement to violence.
Mrs. Bouayach also called for thinking on expanding the concept of the "Responsibility to Protect" (R2P) to include health crises, considering the new circumstances of the pandemic.
With regard to international cooperation, the CNDH Chairperson drew attention to the need to build responsible cooperation among States and UN agencies, as well as between and among States, to combat impunity. Especially when instigators and perpetrators of war crimes and other atrocities are members of non-governmental entities.
All Heads of State and Government recognized, at the World Summit in New York in 2005, the R2P the population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. R2P is based on three equal pillars: the responsibility of each State to protect its population; The responsibility of the international community to assist States in protecting their populations; The responsibility of the international community to protect when a State fails to protect its population.
CNDH RELEASES ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN MOROCCO 2020
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) has released, on 6 May 2021, its annual report 2020 on the human rights situation in Morocco entitled “Covid-19: exceptional situation and new human rights challenge”.
In her statement at the press conference to launch this report, Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, stressed that the 2020 report is an objective assessment of the human rights situation in Morocco in this exceptional context and a new human rights challenge. In 2020, new models and ways of managing missions and interventions related to the prevention of violations, protection of victims, and promotion of human rights have emerged.
The annual report is composed of six fundamental focus areas : 1 - Legal framework of the health emergency situation of the Covid-19 pandemic; 2 - Human rights situation and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic; 3 - Promotion of human rights; 4 - Relations of national cooperation ; 5- International relations of cooperation and solidarity ; 6 - Follow-up on the implementation of the recommendations of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER).
This report contains particular recommendations related to the protection and promotion of human rights during the pandemic. It also encloses general recommendations aiming at advancing human rights in terms of legal, institutional and policy frameworks as well as practices.
The recommendations contained in this report are in line with the requirements of the Constitution and international human rights instruments. They aim at reinforcing the national human rights protection system. The implementation depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including the government, parliament, judiciary, other relevant institutions and entities, and NGOs.
Working Group on Migration conducts an online consultation on African NHRIs participation in the regional review conference on GCM
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH), in its capacity as President of the Working Group on Migration of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), held an online regional consultation on African National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) actions on migration on 29 April 2021.
NANHRI Working Group on Migration Representatives from Morocco, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Niger and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Representative of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the African Migration Observatory and Representative of the United Nations Network on Migration in Africa took part in this event.
This online consultation is part of the implementation of the NANHRI Working Group Action Plan, namely the axis related to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Cairo Declaration adopted at the 12th Biennial Conference of the NANHRI held in Egypt, on 5 - 6 November 2019 on “the GCM: African NHRIs’ common vision, opportunities and challenges in its implementation”.
At this event, the CNDH's proposal to conduct a consultation on African NHRIs’ participation in the next Regional Review Conference of the GCM in Africa was adopted. The Regional Review is scheduled for July 2021 in Morocco.
The online consultation will provide NHRIs with the opportunity to take stock on the progress made in the implementation of the 23 objectives of the GCM, identify the main challenges, and explore regional priorities and potential areas for regional cooperation, but above all, facilitate drafting key findings and recommendations to be used as inputs for the Report on Migration in the Africa Region.
Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, Ms. Thoko Ruzvidzo, UNECA Director (on behalf of UN Network in Africa), and Ms. Sihame Mourabit, Chief of Human Rights division, Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in this event.
This regional consultation was also an opportunity to examine opportunities for cooperation with the African Observatory on Migration and share NHRIs experiences related to the implementation of new and best practices (legal and institutional practices related to migration).
CNDH launches national consultations on Artificial Intelligence and digital citizenship
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) launched national consultations on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the impact of its potential uses on human rights.
In this context, the CNDH organized, on Wednesday 28 April 2020, its first online seminar on "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Citizenship".
These consultations are part of the CNDH's preoccupation with the possibilities given to algorithms and AI to make decisions that have one or more impacts on human beings’ lives, stated Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson.
The CNDH engages in this international reflection on AI and human rights, starting from four fundamental determinants: (1) Promote technological development and the use of AI in Morocco, in line with the approach of human rights and the values of a democratic society, (2) Study the impacts of the use and development of AI on human rights and its treatment, (3) Hold stakeholders accountable on the uses of AI, (4) Enable human beings to benefit from the possibilities, opportunities and advantages of using AI in full respect of human rights.
The use of AI in relation to human rights raises actors’ concerns based on potential impacts of certain uses and even potential violations of fundamental rights and freedoms (particularly privacy, personal data protection, freedom of expression, the right to participate in the democratic process, protection against influential people and disinformation ...).
The CNDH launched this process of consultations with stakeholders while being aware of the opportunities, benefits, challenges, and possible impacts and uses of AI. This process aims to follow the development of AI in Morocco within the context of achieving a balance between technological progress, on the one hand, and the protection and promotion of human rights on the other hand, stated Amina Bouayach, CNDH President.
To be noted, Mr. Mounir Bensalah, CNDH Secretary-General, moderated the CNDH’s first consultation meeting. Moroccan and foreign stakeholders representing institutions, universities, schools, centers and enterprises involved in scientific research related to new technologies and the use of AI took part in this event.
Rabat-Salé-Kenitra Region: Partnership Agreement between the CNDH’s Regional Commission and CGEM
The Regional Commission of Rabat-Salé-Kenitra Region (CRDH) of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra branch of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), will sign a partnership agreement, on Tuesday 20 April 2021, at 11 am at the headquarters of Rabat-Salé-Kenitra CGEM branch.
The agreement aims at enhancing cooperation between enterprises and the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) Regional Commission. It consolidates the effectiveness of rights, respect of civil society actions and the exercise of the right for trade union. Besides, this agreement intends to prevent all forms of discrimination, encourage equal opportunities and promote equality between men and women by limiting restrictions that hinder the professional promotion for women within the enterprise.
The objective of this agreement is also focused on supporting the establishment of networks working on human rights and developing mechanisms incubating youth initiatives and ideas that taking into account the needs of vulnerable and underrepresented groups, especially persons with a disability.
Furthermore, this agreement aims at developing an environmental policy to limit the effects of enterprise actions on the environment and enhancing communication and cooperation with the public, institutional, local and civil society activists and inhabitant.
To be noted, the CNDH conducted several actions and initiatives to promote the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) embedded in the 2020-21 action plan of the Working Group on Business and Human Rights (BHR) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
The Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are international standards initially proposed by John Ruggie, UN Special Representative on Business & Human Rights. They were endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2011, in its resolution # A/HRC/RES/17/4.
The Principles were designed to implement the United Nations ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ Framework, which rests on three core pillars: (1) the duty of the State to protect against human rights abuses by, or involving, transnational corporations and other business enterprises, (2) the corporate responsibility to respect all human rights, and (3) the need for access to effective remedies, including through appropriate judicial or non-judicial mechanisms.
Framework Convention between CNDH and the Collective for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Ms. Amina Bouayach, President of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and Ms. Soumia Amrani, Vice-President of the Collective for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Morocco, signed a cooperation and partnership agreement aiming at promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, on Thursday 15 April 2021, at the CNDH’s headquarters in Rabat, Morocco.
On this occasion, Ms. Bouayach highlighted that signing this agreement is part of the CNDH’s strategy based on the effectiveness of human rights in the field of promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
This strategy is based on strengthening the legislative and procedural aspects by integrating all institutional and non-institutional actors, including NGOs working in the field of promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
CNDH Chairperson also shed light on the role of the National Mechanism for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, especially its missions related to reviewing the provisions related to legal capacity.
This National Mechanism was established at the CNDH in line with Law NO. 76-15.
For her part, Ms. Amrani stated that this agreement is an opportunity to invest in the achievement of the joint cooperation to realize the effectiveness of the rights of persons with disabilities. Example: strengthening actions related to current issues such as political participation of persons with disabilities, the rights of women with disabilities, social protection, the right to inclusive education and the right to legal capacity as a basis for the effectiveness of rights.
This agreement aims to establish mechanisms for cooperation between the CNDH and the Collective, by elaborating and implementing joint programs and projects related to the rights of persons with disabilities to ensure the effectiveness of their rights in line with international and national human rights standards.
CNDH and UNHCR sign a Framework Convention aiming to strengthen national system for the protection of the rights of refugees
Mrs. Amina Bouayach, Chair of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and Mr. François Reybet-Degat, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Morocco (UNHCR) signed a Framework Convention on 14 April 2021 at the CNDH headquarters in Rabat, Morocco.
This Convention aims, mainly, to strengthen the national system for the protection of the rights of refugees.
It reflects the willingness of the two parties to develop new areas of common interest. Particularly, it concerns studies on public policies relating to the rights of refugees; the exchange of data and the results of researches and studies; the monitoring of the implementation of the provisions relating to the rights of refugees and its evolution; the development of research projects, studies and training; the organization of colloquiums, conferences and seminars, etc.
Dignity, solidarity, respect, altruism, these values are more than abstract principles for the CNDH, stated Mrs. Bouayach on the occasion of the signing of this Framework Convention. They represent, for us, a fundamental institutional commitment towards foreigners, apart from their legal and administrative situation, she added.
For his part, Mr. Reybet-Degat affirmed that the signing of this Convention is an important step in the high-level CNDH and UNHCR cooperation related to asylum actions in Morocco. It is also a very important marker of the joint actions conducted by the CNDH and the UNHCR relating to the implementation of the National Immigration and Asylum Policy, he said.
Thus, the two parties undertook to cooperate for the implementation of actions and capitalization on their experiences by broadening their collaboration through the establishment of an annual action plan which is an integral part of this Convention.
CNDH SIGNS COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE PROMETHEUS INSTITUTE FOR DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS CULTURE
Ms. Amina Bouayach, President of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), and Mr. Yassin Bazaz, General Coordinator of the Prometheus Institute for Democracy and Human Rights, signed a Cooperation and Partnership Agreement aiming to entrench the values of citizenship and contribute to reflections on human rights issues, on Friday 8 April 2021 at the CNDH’s headquarters, Rabat, Morocco.
On this occasion, Ms. Bouayach highlighted that signing this agreement is part of the CNDH mandate related to promoting human rights culture. She also shed light on the importance of this agreement in promoting human rights culture and involving young people, especially in schools.
For his part, Mr. Bazaz indicated that this agreement is part of establishing a joint action between the CNDH and the Institute. He also underlined the central role of the CNDH in promoting human rights culture. Mr. Bazaz added that the promotion of human rights is a fundamental and complex process. It intends to inculcate the values of human rights and democracy and raise a generation that believes in human rights culture in its universality.
This cooperation and partnership agreement intends to establish mechanisms for cooperation between the two parties to entrench human rights and citizenship values and contribute to reflections on human rights questions. It will adopt a participatory approach and encourage and support actions related to human rights. It will launch several initiatives aiming at enhancing the values of human rights culture, tolerance and peaceful debate and promoting them, particularly at schools and universities.
CNDH signs a joint Action Plan with the United Nations Population Fund for the year 2021
Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), and Mr. Luis Mora, Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), signed a joint Action Plan for the year 2021, on Tuesday 6 April 2021 in Rabat, Morocco.
This Action Plan is part of the two parties’ partnership aiming at promoting the rights of women and girls, including the rights to sexual and reproductive health in Morocco.
The CNDH-UNFPA Partnership is founded on three main axes: the promotion of sexual and reproductive health rights, advocacy to fight against child marriage and the implementation of international instruments recommendations that are related to the right to sexual and reproductive health.
Ms. Bouayach stated that this partnership seeks to contribute to the promotion of women and girls’ rights and is, by extension, part of the efforts made to counter inequalities and enhance the values of equality in society. She also underlined the importance of ensuring a permanent mobilization and enhancing continuous capacity building.
For his part, UNFPA Representative affirmed that the UNFPA supports Morocco’s policies to promote the rights of women and girls, particularly their rights to sexual and reproductive health.
Considering these rights as a prerequisite for the achievement of sustainable development, Mr. Mora added that the UNFPA will work together with the CNDH to support its efforts in terms of capacity building and social mobilization to ensure rights for all and everywhere.