Second Training Session for Police Officers Responsible for Detainees in DGSN Custody Facilities

The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) are actively implementing the terms of their partnership agreement, which is designed to enhance and develop the capacities of DGSN officers responsible for persons in custody in DGSN places of deprivation of liberty. The two institutions are organizing a training session from 4 to 8 September 2023 at the Rabat - Driss Benzekri Institute for Human Rights in Morocco.

The partnership agreement, signed on 14 September 2022, by Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, and Mr. Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of National Security and Territory Surveillance, aims to promote human rights culture into police training curricula, making it a reference and guiding framework for the missions of national security law enforcement officials.

Ms. Amina Bouayach and Mr. Mohamed Dkhissi, Central Director of the DGSN Judicial Police, will inaugurate the opening session of this event.

Officials from CNDH and DGSN will facilitate this training session, focusing on several key topics, including Human Rights Principles and Practices, Morocco's Conventional Practice and International Commitments, Constitutional and Legal Requirements - Principle of the Supremacy of International Conventions and Harmonization of Legislation, Rights and Conditions of Individuals in Custody, Monitoring, Preventive Measures and Redress Bodies, and International Bodies.

CNDH and DGSN initiated this partnership by organizing an international symposium entitled "Standards and Practices for the Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment during Arrest, Interrogation, and Custody" on Tuesday 20 September 2022, at the Royal Institute of Police in Rabat, Morocco.

They also organized the inaugural training session for around 20 police officials (from different Moroccan regions) responsible for places of deprivation of liberty, from 26 to 30 September 2022, at the Rabat - Driss Benzekri Institute for Human Rights in Morocco.

Maritime border tragedy near Saidia: A flagrant human rights violation across unclear maritime border, within an undisputed area

On Tuesday, 29 August 2023, across the maritime borders near the city of Saidia (Northwest of Morocco), Algerian coastguards fired live bullets at five young Moroccan men after they strayed at sea, killing two of them, severely injuring a third, who is currently recovering in Oujda, and arresting a fourth who was quickly sentenced to an 18-month prison term. Mr. Bilal Kissi, a victim, was buried in Morocco, while Mr. Abdelali Mchiouer’s corpse still remains in Algeria.

In response to this tragedy, Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (Morocco’s National Human Rights Institution) dispatched a delegation led by Mr. Mohamed Amarti, Chair of the Regional Human Rights Commission in the Oriental Region. The delegation included commissioners and staff members and was tasked with gathering information and holding formal hearing sessions with a survivor, Mr. Mohamed Kissi, and with the families of the victims.

Drawing from preliminary gathered information and cross-cutting analysis, the National Human Rights Council:

●       Condemns the use of live ammunition by Algerian coastguards across the territorial maritime border at the Mediterranean Sea against unarmed citizens, instead of adhering to the internationally recognized affirmative obligation to rescue and render assistance to persons in distress at sea. This is a severe breach of international standards and international human rights law;

●       Questions the motives behind the Algerian maritime authorities’ decision to use live bullets and lethal force against unarmed people posing no imminent threat to life;

●       Notes that this is a flagrant human rights violation and an arbitrary deprivation of the right to life, which is an absolute right and must be protected regardless of any circumstances, reasons or conditions, especially across unclear boundaries within an undisputed maritime zone;

●       Notes that rescuing and rendering assistance to people at sea is a fundamental principle in international law, enjoying supremacy over all and any other considerations;

●       Notes that the Algerian coastguards committed a gross violation of international standards related to the safety and protection of individuals at sea, particularly under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, adopted on November 1st, 1974, and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, adopted in April 27, 1979 and amended in 2004, mainly Chapters 1, 2 and 3 of its Annex, along with Article 98 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in December 10, 1982;

●       Stresses on the legitimate right of Mr. Abdelali Mchiouer’s family to receive his body for them to carry out his burial in accordance with Morocco’s religious, social and cultural traditions;

●       Expresses awe and astonishment at the rapid "trial" of Mr. Smail Snabe, sentenced to eighteen-month, and notes the legitimate demands of his family for his release and handover to Moroccan authorities;

●       Commits to pursuing the right of the survivor, Mr. Mohamed Kissi, and the families of the victims, to access to justice and seek redress;

●       Notes the Public Prosecutor’s Office decision to open an investigation and invites authorities to share the outcome and conclusions with the public.

The National Human Rights Council has also corresponded with Algeria’s National Human Rights Institution to ensure that Mr. Smail Snabe, currently detained in Algeria, receives all necessary assurances for a fair and transparent trial, including the presence of international observers, while also guaranteeing and protecting his physical and psychological integrity.

The Council will continue to closely monitor all developments relating to this tragedy and to push for compliance with the principles of international human rights law and global standards, in order to uphold justice and safeguard the right of the victims and their families to redress.

The human rights delegation had extended condolences, sincere sympathy, and support to the families, on behalf of CNDH Chairperson, Secretary-General and all of our members and staff.

Drâa-Tafilalet Region: Seminar on Moroccan Community Living Abroad and New Development Model Updates

The Regional Human Rights Commission in the Draa-Tafilalet region (CRDH) organized a seminar on: "Moroccan Community Living Abroad and New Development Model Updates”, on Friday 11 August 2023, at 9:30 am, in the Boumalne Dadès Commune, Morocco.

This seminar was organized in partnership with the Fédération des Associations du Grand Boumalne-Dadès as part of the CRDH participation in the 12th session of the National Festival in Boumalne Dadès, which is held every year to coincide with the National Day of Migrants.

This event aims to open a collective/participatory debate to identify the challenges facing Moroccan Community Living Abroad and to highlight the strategic lines drawn by the new development model report. It also intends to develop proposals to guide the process of elaborating integrated policies and programs in the Drâa-Tafilalet region for Moroccan Living Abroad.

This event will be an opportunity to address several topics focusing on Migrants and Development from the Perspective of Public Policies; Migration, Development and Human Rights; Migrants’ Opportunities to Contribute to the Development of the Region; The Region’s Roles and Missions in Promoting the Rights of Moroccan Community Living Abroad; and The Role of Territorial Councils in Serving the Moroccan Community Living Abroad.

Stakeholders from governmental and non-governmental sectors, elected officials, civil society representing Moroccan Living Abroad, university professors, human rights defenders, entrepreneurs, experts, and media professionals, will participate in this seminar.

CNDH organizes national symposium on emerging cities in Morocco

The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) is organizing a national symposium on "Emerging Cities in Morocco: Human Rights Prospects and Challenges", on Wednesday 12 July 2023, at 9:30 am, at the Council's headquarters in Rabat, Morocco.

This event is part of the Council's ongoing actions to assess and implement an urban strategy based on a human rights approach.  The objective is to develop inclusive cities that effectively promote human rights as outlined in international instruments which call for an urban planning that ensures a sustainable and healthy environment, fosters social cohesion, provides access to adequate housing and promotes social inclusion.

The symposium aims to review the state of emerging cities and explore the challenges and opportunities related to the legal framework. Participants including institutional actors, urban planning experts, researchers, university professors specialized in urban studies and civil society activists will examine Morocco's “Villes Nouvelles” (New Cities) program and talk through its results and impact on the public policies in Morocco.

A wide array of topics will be covered at this symposium, including the role of youth in the development of new cities, challenges in promoting women's rights and the importance of accessibility in emerging cities as a lever of the effectiveness of human rights. Stakeholders will also discuss procedures for keeping pace with urban development, successful transition to sustainable cities and the concept of new cities in Morocco.

Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, will take part in the symposium’s opening session.

Marrakech Declaration for Preventing Torture in Africa: Establishment of African NPMs Network

The high-level International Conference on the Practices of National Preventive Mechanisms against Torture (NPMs) in Africa, organized by the National Human Rights Council/National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture (CNDH/NPM) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on 23-24 June 2023, culminated in the adoption of the Marrakech Declaration.

This Declaration established the African NPMs Network, as called for by Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, in her opening statement.

Within this context, she noted that establishing this Network demonstrates the NPMs’ commitment to working together towards achieving the desired outcome, developing advocacy for human rights and providing recommendations to African and UN human rights mechanisms.

The Network, with its Permanent Secretariat based in Morocco, will be chaired by the CNDH/NPM for the initial two-year term. The SAHRC/NPM will serve as the Network’s Vice-President during this period and will chair the subsequent term.

The Network's missions include facilitating collaboration among NPMs and coordinating their regional activities. It will also contribute to strengthening the African NPMs’ capacities, encourage technical support and share best practices.

More than 70 participants took part in this Conference, including representatives of 18 NPMs and national human rights institutions participated in person and online in this event. They addressed the legal and institutional challenges and developments related to preventing torture in Africa and discussed appropriate solutions.

Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region: Symposium on the Right to Environment and Development

The Regional Human Rights Commission (CRDH) of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region and the Centre des espaces du nord pour le développement et le partenariat (CENDEP), in M’diq, Morocco, are organizing a symposium on the “Right to Environment and Development between the Evolving Legislative Framework and the Growing Environmental Risks”.

This event will be held on Friday 7 July 2023, at 4.30 pm at the Professional Training Center for Hospitality and Tourism Occupations in M’diq.

It falls under the CRDH annual plan of action, mainly its two focus areas related to the promotion of the human rights culture and monitoring the effectiveness of human rights in public policies and regional programs. This event will address the specificities of the region which is also affected by the impact of climate change and the recent forest fire in Chafchaouen, Larache and Tetouan.

This symposium interprets the CRDH’s increasing focus on the right to a healthy and sustainable environment. It is a fundamental right outlined in Chapter 31 of the Constitution, international agreements and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

It aims to assess the environmental situation in the region and address key environmental issues and threats relating to water, forest and coastal resources. It also seeks to examine the international and national legislative framework for environmental protection.

Additionally, this symposium will be an opportunity to highlight the challenges impeding the implementation of the national strategy for the environment and sustainable development. Stakeholders will also shed light on the various measures implemented to address environmental risks and conserve resources. Besides, this event will be a platform to share and valorize the civil society advocacy initiatives to promote environmental protection.

It is noteworthy that the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) has prioritized the right to the environment and sustainable development as key focus areas in recent years. In its annual report for 2022, entitled "Redefining Priorities to Enhance the Effectiveness of Human Rights," the CNDH noted the increased number of complaints related to violations of the right to a healthy and sustainable environment. Accordingly, the report put forward a set of recommendations on climate change, the right to a healthy environment and the right to water.

CNDH Regional Commission in Draa-Tafilalet holds its Ninth Regular Meeting named after the late Lakbir Ouhajjou

In implementation of its 2023 action program, the Regional Human Rights Commission (CRDH) of the Draa-Tafilalet Region will hold its ninth regular meeting paying tribute to the late Lakbir Ouhajjou.

The meeting will be held on Saturday 24 June 2023, at 9:30 am, at the CRDH’s headquarters, in Errachidia, Morocco, in line with the requirements outlined in Articles 35 and 36 of the Rules of Procedures of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH).

Ms. Fatima Aarrach, CRDH President, will chair this meeting.

Within this context, CRDH and Regional Delegate of the Entreaide national “National Mutual Aid” in Draa-Tafilalet will sign a partnership agreement.

The agenda of this meeting will feature the presentation of CRDH’s Standing Committees’ work-in-progress. Members’ draft reports will be presented for discussion and approval.

CRDH draft semi-annual report for 2023 will also be discussed and submitted for approval. 

This meeting will be an opportunity to establish a Commission in charge of drafting the final report 2023 and review the progress and prospects of the CRDH’s 2023 action program.

Contact: +212535791182
Email: crdh.draatafilalet@cndh.org.ma

CNDH organizes an international conference on Practices of African NPMs: Exploring Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

The National Human Rights Council / National Preventive Mechanism (CNDH/NPM), in cooperation with the South African Human Rights Commission, is organizing an international conference on Practices of NPMs in Africa: Exploring Emerging Challenges and Opportunities, on 23 and 24 June 2023, at 8:30 am in Marrakech, Morocco.

This international conference is organized as part of the CNDH celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It aims to address strategies that will enhance networking opportunities and encourage cooperation to advance the effectiveness of African NPMs. It will be an opportunity to share insights and experiences among NPMs on the one hand and with different actors on the other, including the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT), the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) of the Council of Europe, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), and several international experts.

African NPMs, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), experts and representatives of international organizations and networks will examine challenges and developments with regard to existing legal and institutional frameworks in Africa. They will address challenges and appropriate solutions, and review current practices and available opportunities. The five panel discussions of this conference will be an occasion to address the complex structural challenges faced by the African NPMs, such as limited resources, legal issues and limitations.

Stakeholders will focus on the best practices, creative approaches and ways of cooperation among NPMs and partners at continental and international levels. The last panel will be an occasion to present the Final Document summarizing the most significant outputs and recommendations of the conference.

Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH/NPM Chairperson, Mr. Andrew Christoffel Nissen, Commissioner, South-African Human Rights Commission/NPM, Mr. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, President of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Mr. Hamet Saloum Diakhate, Member, UN Sub-Committee on Prevention of Torture and Mr. Mohammed Dkhissi, Judicial Police Central Director, General Directorate for National Security in Morocco, will take part in the opening session. Mr. Joseph Whittal, President of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Ghana, will facilitate this event.

Marrakech-Safi Region: CRDH holds its Eighth Regular Meeting

The Regional Human Rights Commission of the Marrakech-Safi Region (CRDH) will hold its eighth regular meeting in line with the requirements of law 76-10 related to the reorganization of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and Article 36 of its Rules of Procedure, at 9 am, on 23 June 2023, in Marrakech, Morocco.

Mr. Mustapha Laârissa, CRDH President, will present the outcome of the Standing Committees’ actions conducted in the first half of 2023.

This meeting will schedule the presentation of the action program for the next six months and the reports approved at the sixth and seventh regular meetings.

Within the same context, CRDH members will also approve several reports.

To be noted, the CRDH of the Marrakech-Safi Region installation was chaired by Ms. Amina Bouayach on 22 October 2020. The three CRDH Standing Committees’ missions are the protection of human rights, promotion of human rights, and following up and assessing public policies and regional programs.

Contact: +212 5 24 42 05 87
Email: crdh.marrakech-safi@cndh.org.ma

CNDH pavilion created interaction with thousands of visitors, 300,000 followers on Facebook and Twitter platforms, 120 national and international participants and hundreds of children

"30 Universal Commitments for Human Dignity"

On Sunday 11 June 2023, the CNDH pavilion wrapped up its event at the 28th Chapter of the International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), which was organized from 1 to 11 June 2023 in Rabat, Morocco.

This year, the CNDH Pavilion celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It organized this event under the slogan: 30 Universal Commitments for Human Dignity. Through this event, the CNDH aims to reiterate the priority of human rights to ensure their implementation and effectiveness.

Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, indicated that the CNDH presented the UDHR through several expressions of human rights successfully, as their embodiment in Moroccan society. Thousands of visitors, in person or through social media platforms, participated in the momentum created by the UDHR and its implementation.

Over ten days, the CNDH Pavilion hosted thousands of visitors, including different groups, ages, and nationalities. It organized 11 seminars, facilitated by 120 Moroccan and foreign experts and actors from several fields, and 22 meetings on several creative books and literature addressing current human rights issues.

Institutional and civil partners, national and international, and activists in the field of human rights took part in this event.

At the CNDH morning sessions, hundreds of children from the 12 regions of the Kingdom expressed their concerns and aspirations through words, theatre, painting, songs and music. These sessions aim to implement the principle of participation that the CNDH advocate for its institutionalization.

The CNDH Pavilion was an open and inclusive space. It embraced all groups. The CNDH was keen to provide access for persons with disabilities through sign language, tactile paving system for blind and visually impaired persons, and accessibility for visitors with mobility disabilities, including accessible writing tables and reception shelves.

The CNDH was also keen to enhance its digital interaction with its followers on social media platforms. It broadcasted live all its activities. It interpreted in sign language 66 hours of its activities directly online.

This event contributed to achieving automatic interaction on the CNDH Facebook and Twitter platforms. 300,000 people viewed at least one of the CNDH’s 300 posts and tweets in various languages (Arabic, Tamazight, English and French) and at least 43,000 interacted with it.