Global Compact on Migration: Special Event on the Role of African NHRIs
The National Human Rights Council of Morocco (CNDH) and the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) organize a special event on “the Role of African NHRIs in the process of negotiations leading to the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration” on Sunday, May, 7th, 2017 in Niamey, Niger.
The event aims to help deepen reflection, at the African level, on the process of negotiations leading to the Global Compact on Migration. It will bring together several African national human rights institutions (NHRIs), civil society actors, representatives of the African Union and experts on migration issues.
The event is also an opportunity: to inform on the processes of the Global compact and the related issues and challenges, to sensitize African NHRIs about the importance of cooperation to achieve a common African migration policy, and to adopt a common African position integrating the recommendations of the African NHRIs on migrants and refugees’ human rights.
The discussions will mainly focus on the African Union Migration Policy and Civil society organizations’ actions to defend migrants’ rights. NHRIs will share their best practices on migration issues and rights and exchange on the opportunities to effectively engage in the Global Compact for Migration processes.
Mr. Mohamed Charef, CNDH board members, Mr. Gilbert Sebihogo, NANHRI Executive Director, and Amb. Salah S. Hammad, Senior Human Rights Expert (Department of Political Affairs of AUC), will open the floor, at the opening ceremony of the event.
Global Compact and role of NHRIs
The challenges and issues of migration, refugees and forced displacement worldwide have become an urgent matter for the international community and a reality for all. Amidst this humanitarian crisis, Resolution A/RES/71/1, adopted on 19 September 2016 at a summit held by the UN in New York, was of great importance for the negotiations, which should lead to the adoption of the Global Compact on Migration by 2018. The Resolution unanimously recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to issues related to human mobility.
Following the summit, it was decided to initiate a process for the adoption of two separate international compacts: one on migration and the other on refugees. Member States also agreed that the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration should be developed following an inclusive approach based on consultations and negotiations involving States, national human rights institutions (NHRIs), civil society, communities and migrants themselves.
First and foremost, NHRIs can play a key role in the Global Compact developing process, taking into account their mandate to promote and protect human rights for all, including migrants, refugees, and displaced persons. Secondly, NHRIs, which can play a “mediating role” between national and international stakeholders, can bring together the various national actors, help raise their awareness on the issue and involve them in the drafting process of the Global Compact. Finally, the essential role of NHRIs in the UN human rights system is also reflected in Resolution 70/163 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, as it called on all UN mechanisms and processes to strengthen the participation of NHRIs in their work.
The CNDH was appointed as the African focal point of the Global Alliances of NHRIs (GANHRI) in the Global Compact process, in accordance with GANHRI approach that aims to support NHRIs’ participation and contributions to all stages of this consultation process.
In September 2013, the CNDH published a report on “Foreigners and Human Rights in Morocco - For a radically new asylum and migration policy”. The report called for “a genuine public policy that protects human rights, based on international cooperation and integrating civil society.” The Moroccan government has interacted positively with the recommendations of the Council and initiated a new migration policy based on both a global and humanist approaches. This policy has considered the essence of the international law and multilateral cooperation and has started with the important steps: launching a campaign to document migrants, appointing a national appeal committee, and launching a process to reform legislations governing migration, asylum, and trafficking in persons.
For media inquiries:
Ms Ghizlane kabbaj (+212 (0)6 61 98 74 61)
Ethnological film entitled “look at the other” Regarder l’autre
Ethnological film entitled “look at the other” Regarder l’autre
A second screening of the ethnological film entitled “look at the other” Regarder l’autre will take place on the 25th and the 26th of April 2017, organized by the Jacques- Berques Center, Mohammed V University of Rabat and the Center for Saharan Studies at the faculty of letters and human sciences in Rabat.
At this screening, students and researchers will be introduced to the significance of the ethnological film from an anthropological perspective. The purpose of this event is to bring the public closer to the techniques and methodologies adopted in the realization of ethnological films.
Mr. Henri Herré, French movie Director will conduct an introductory lecture to launch the event, which includes the screening of four documentaries:
- “Landless Moroccans” Marocains sans terres, by Soraya El Kahlaoui,
-“34 meters above sea level” 34 mètres d’altitude, by Kenza Afsahi,
-“Paths of Baraka” les chemins de la Baraka, by Manoël Pénicaud and Khamis Mesbah,
- and “On the paths of the phosphates” Sur les chemins des phosphates, by Malika El Manoug and Mohammed Nadrani.
The Center for Saharan Studies was created in February 2013 in partnership with Mohammed V University of Rabat, the CNDH, the Agency for the Promotion and Economic/Social Development of the Southern Provinces (of the Kingdom of Morocco), and the Moroccan national phosphates corporate. The center’s focus is to encourage scientific research on Saharan related issues in order to contribute to preserving its history, and conducting applied research while laying a foundation for a scientific and serene debate.
The center aims to conduct multidisciplinary research in the historical, social and cultural fields in the southern provinces of Morocco, and wishes to encourage development research in partnership with local and international stakeholders
Pre-Trial Detention Day In Africa: CNDH Organizes A Series Of Awarness- Rasing Activities
Organized by the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and its regional commissions, in cooperation with various partners, the commemoration of the Pre-trial Detention Day in Africa will be taking place on April 25th, 2017. The commemoration will include several activities, with the view to putting focus on pre-trial detention challenges in the Moroccan judicial system.
Conferences, round tables, visits to prisons and media programs in the field will contribute to the public debates on pre-trial detention, which is one of the main causes of prison overcrowding. According to the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration, 40% of detainees are in pre-trial detention. Thus, more efforts should be exerted by various stakeholders to fight this phenomenon.
This event is an opportunity, for all concerned stakeholders, to discuss the main constraints causing this excessive use of this measure described as “exceptional” by the legislator. It mainly affects prisoners awaiting trial and the rights of the entire prison population in general.
Participants will also address alternative measures that may mitigate the excessive use of pre-trial detention. This would strengthen the principle of presumption of innocence and guarantees for a fair trial.
Besides, other anti-torture organizations, including the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), claims that millions of people are unnecessarily held in pre-trial detention worldwide resulting in human rights violations and creating an enormous pressure on an overburdened criminal justice system. The average rate of persons held in preventive detention is 34,7% in the African continent. Reducing the use of pre-trial detention is an urgent matter, because it costs much for States, society and individuals and it results in overcrowding prisons and violations of fundamental right.
The Pre-trial Detention Day in Africa was adopted by the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) in the Yaoundé Declaration of October 23rd, 2015 following its tenth biannual conference on “Prohibition and Prevention of Torture: Successes, Challenges, Opportunities and Role of NHRIs”.
The Yaoundé Declaration recommends, “To contribute to a reduction in the over use of pre-trial detention, including by promoting legal and policy reforms on: alternatives to incarceration, para-legal based interventions, duty solicitors at police station, and pre-trial evaluation.”
The CNDH reported in 2012 that “Excessive use of pre-trial detention is the primary cause of prison overcrowding”. It recommended as well to “Speed up the processes for dealing with prisoners placed in pre-trial detention, in relation to both investigative and trial procedures”, and to “schedule the building of new prisons especially for persons held in pre-trial detention and for those sentenced to short term penalties in districts of each court of first instance.”
WOMEN’S VOICES: Rabat hosts a meeting of African women writers
Eight African women writers will gather on Thursday 20 April 2017 at Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) to share their own experiences and shed light on African women’s literature. The event is initiated by the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), and International University of Rabat (UIR), and the MMVI.
“This is a genuine opportunity to (re)discover African women’s creations and writings,” says the organizers, as the star of African women writers continue to shine in the 21st century African literature, expressing the aspirations of both African women and African people alike.
Scholastique Mukasonga (Rwanda), Khadi Hane (Senegal), Leila Abouzeid (Morocco), Rabâa Abdelkefi (Tunisia), Nora Amin (Egypt), Sefi Atta (Nigeria), Latifa Baqa (Morocco) and Siham Bouhlal (France, Morocco) will be the special guests of the event.
The discussions will be led by famous Moroccan writers Kebir Mustapha Ammi and Hassan Nejmi.
The event is held within the framework of Afrique en Capital (Africa in the capital), a one month campaign to celebrate African modern art and culture. The campaign is coordinated by the foundation of Morocco’s museums (FNM).
CNDH and IRI launch human rights training program targeting civil society stakeholders from Laâyoune and Dakhla
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) launch on Monday, March 13, 2017, in Rabat, a human rights and participatory governance training program targeting civil society stakeholders from the regions of Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab. Supported by the U.S. State Department, the program will be held at the CNDH’s National Human Rights Training Institute.
Four capacity building sessions are scheduled within the framework of this program (13-17 March, 3-7 April, 24-28 April, and 8-12 May 2017). They will focus on national and international human rights mechanisms and concepts and the implementation of participatory governance, taking into account the new roles of civil society stakeholders in Morocco.
The program targets young activists in the two regions working on women’s rights, the rights of the child, youth, and rights of persons with disabilities.
Special Commission for the Accreditation of Election Observers convenes its 2nd meeting to decide over a second set of accreditation applications
The Special Commission for the Accreditation of Election Observers convened on Thursday, June 30, 2016 a second meeting at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) in Rabat to decide over the second set of accreditation applications from national and international bodies.
The Commission has decided to give accreditation to 16 bodies including 5 international organizations. It rejected 10 applications and deferred the decision on five others. The number of accredited bodies has so far reached 33 bodies (28 national and 5 international organizations).
The Special Commission for the Accreditation of Election Observers is established within the CNDH, in compliance with Law # 30-11, laying down the terms and conditions of independent and impartial election observation. The Commission is mandated to receive, review and decide on the accreditation applications. It issues special cards and badges to accredited observers and drafts the observer’s charter, a document laying down the principles and fundamental rules that every accredited observer must respect.
Chaired by the CNDH Chairman, or a representative acting on his behalf, the Special Commission includes the following members:
- Four members representing the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and the Ministry of Communication;
- A representative of the Délégation interministérielle aux droits de l’Homme (inter-ministerial department for human rights);
- A representative of the Central Authority for Corruption Prevention;
- Five representatives of civil society associations acting as members of the National Human Rights Council.
The secretariat of the commission is managed by the Secretariat General of the National Human Rights Council.
Neutral and independent observation of elections
The independent and neutral observation is an action aiming (under Law #30-11) at monitoring electoral operations, gathering objective, impartial and neutral related data and information and assessing the organization and the operation of the elections, in addition to respect of constitutional rules, laws and regulations governing elections and international standards in the field.
Participatory democracy: CNDH’s opinion on the right to petition and to table motions on legislative matters
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) issued on Thursday, April 14, 2016, an opinion on the draft ‘organic’ laws relating to the right to petition and the right to table motions on legislative matters, upon request of the Parliament.
The President of the House of Councillors had refereed draft Organic Law # 64-14 on the right to table motions on legislative matters and draft Organic Law # 44-14 on the right to petition to the CNDH for advisory opinion, in implementation of a memorandum of understanding between the Council and the two houses of parliament, dated December 10, 2014.
The Council’s opinion includes 50 recommendations, aiming particularly at simplifying the procedure of tabling motions and petitions; reducing and further clarifying any terms to reject them; ensuring support to stakeholders who engage in these forms of participatory democracy, etc.
The Council’s advisory opinion builds on the Constitution and the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the Inter-Parliamentary Union references. Its rational includes several fundamental elements, including complementarity between representative and participatory democracy, the need to simplify the terms and conditions to exercise the constitutional right to petition and to table motions on legislative matters, as guaranteed under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution.
To draft its opinion, the CNDH has reviewed more than 40 comparative experiences, from democratic countries, in addition to the main memoranda of Moroccan public and civil society actors in this regard.
Summary of the Council's opinion [FR] Avis du CNDH sur les projets de lois organiques relatifs aux motions en matière législative et à l’exercice du droit de présentation des pétitions aux pouvoirs publics
All mobilized against violence, a regional campaign against violence at sporting events in Casablanca-Settat
The Regional Human Rights Commission of Casablanca-Settat launches a regional campaign for the prevention of violence at sporting events, from 4 to 8 April 2016.
The “All mobilized against violence” campaign is organized in partnership with several partners: the Moroccan Centre for Youth and Democratic Transitions (CMJTD), Casablanca Police Department, the provincial department of education in Anfa, Bernoussi, El Fida-Derb Sultan and El Jadida, the athletic clubs of RAJA (RCA), Wydad (WAC), and Difaa Hassani El Jadida (DHJ), and the provincial departments of youth and sports in Anfa and El Fidae.
This initiative aims to contribute to preventing violence at sporting events, especially during football matches. Its approach is based on citizenship, human-rights and civic education; and a methodology to halt the spread of violence in general and violence at sporting events in particular. The campaign also aims at contributing to protecting youth and minors from the consequences of such violence.
The primary targets of the campaign are students and schools, particularly in the neighborhoods and the districts with great numbers of fans and supporters. The aim is to promote noble values of sport, including tolerance and respect, through training workshops and awareness-raising activities.
More than 300 students from forty secondary schools are expected to take part in these activities. The workshops will be led by members of CNDH’s regional commission, the CMJTD and police department officers. Players from RCA, WAC and DHJ will be invited to these activities.
Through this campaign, the regional commission and its partners aspire to develop a platform for a regional meeting, to be held at the end of April with all stakeholders concerned at the regional level. One of the objectives of this meeting is to develop, based on a participatory approach, a plan of action for the prevention of violence at sporting events.
Ten-day disability rights campaign at Casablanca international book fair, more than 25,000 visited us and exchange with us on disability rights
More than 25 000 visited our exhibition stall this year at the Casablanca International Publishing and Book Fair 2016, better known in French as the Salon International de l'Edition et du Livre (SIEL), held from February 12 to 21, 2016.All activities at our 360 m² stall revolved around disability rights and issues. Over ten days, the Stall hosted more than sixty activities. These activities were led by some 260 national and international experts and stakeholders, from 25 countries (Australia, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Gabon, Ghana, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Libya, Mexico, Morocco, Niger, Palestine, Portugal, Rwanda, Senegal, Tunisia, Turkey, UK, and the United States of America). The activities included training sessions, roundtable discussions, and awareness-raising workshops and activities for children, civil society stakeholders, and passers-by.
The CNDH gave tributes at the book fair to 16 Moroccan Special Olympic and Paralympic athletes and champions (tennis, badminton and athletics).
The CNDH’s thirteen regional human rights commissions mobilized about one hundred disability rights organizations, including regional networks, local associations and associations of families from all over Morocco to take part in or lead meetings and activities at the stall.
The Council also held an international meeting at the book fair on disability rights protection mechanisms, inviting experts and representatives of several national human rights institutions. The participants of this meeting shared good practices and exchanged, particularly on the experiences of NHRIs in Senegal, Ghana, Mexico, Gabon and Jordan.
On the sidelines of this ten-day campaign, the Council's regional human rights commission of Rabat and HandiFilm Association held the 10th Cinema and Disability Festival “My dignity, my right”, from 30 March to 2 April 2016 in Rabat. The tenth edition featured an international competition of short movies on disability, an awareness-raising podcast competition, a roundtable discussion on disability in Moroccan cinema, a scenario writing workshop, and a lecture on the right to dignity and how this right can affect the lives of people with disabilities.
The CNDH had launched a national competition for young Moroccan architects to design an accessible exhibition stall at the 22nd Casablanca International Publishing and Book Fair. The stall won the first Accessibility Award, awarded by the Ministry of Solidarity, Women, Family and Social Development and the Ministry of Culture.
CNDH and IFES hold an international seminar on electoral legislation reform in Morocco
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES-Washington) will hold an international seminar on electoral legislation reform in Morocco on the 19th and 20th of January 2016, at the headquarters of the House of Councillors (the Upper House) in Rabat. The seminar will advocate for an “electoral legislation that lives up to the constitutional promises and Morocco’s treaty commitments”.
Renowned experts in the field, mainly from Morocco, Canada and the United States, will take part in this event, which has two main objectives:
· identify key electoral legislation reform challenges;
· propose key amendments to the legislative and regulatory framework governing elections, for an inclusive human rights-based electoral legislation that lives up to the constitutional promises and Morocco’s treaty commitments.
The gathering will kick off on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. It will particularly focus on eight main points: access to voting rights, electoral legislation stability, the preparation of the national electorate, electoral district boundaries, affirmative action and the constitutional principle of parity, the legal framework governing independent and impartial election observation, the regulation of electoral economy and the fight against corruption, as well as the new challenges of electoral communication.
The former Advisory Council on Human Rights (1990-2011) and the CNDH, since 2011, have contributed to reforming the national electoral system through their independent and impartial election observation reports and recommendations in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2015, in addition to the observation of the constitutional referendum of July 1, 2011.