Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra Region: Workshop on the practical guide on managing hunger strikes in prisons

The Regional Human Rights Commission in the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra Region (CRDH) will organize a workshop on the Practical Guide on Managing Hunger Strikes in Prisons in Morocco, on Thursday 15 June 2023, in Laayoune, Morocco.

The organization of this workshop is part of the implementation of the practical guide on managing hunger strikes in prisons, which was developed by the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), the General Delegation for Prisons Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR), the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Presidency of the Public Prosecution Office.

This Practical Guide aims to protect the detainees' physical and psychological safety and to preserve their dignity and rights, in line with national and international standards and laws.

The workshop program will schedule on two main issues. Mr. Mohamed Hamdi, Head of the Directorate on the Protection of Human Rights at the CNDH, will address the context, principles and general rules of the practical guide on managing hunger strikes in prisons in Morocco. Dr. Taoufik Abtal, Health Care Department at the DGAPR, will focus on the implementation of the Practical Guide.

Celebration of International Archives Day: Amina Bouayach presents the CNDH’s most significant achievements in terms of preserving archives and memory

In celebration of International Archives Day, which coincides with June 9 of each year, Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), presented, in a press conference organized on Friday 9 June 2023, the CNDH’s most significant achievement in the implementation of one of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (known under its French acronym IER) recommendations related to preserving the national archives.

Mr. Mounir Bensalah, CNDH Secretary-General took part in this event.

Within this context, the CNDH Chairperson shed light on the 23,360 arbitration decisions collected in 167 volumes, including 5,749 arbitration decisions issued by the Independent Arbitration Commission and 17,611 arbitration decisions issued by the IER and its follow-up committee on the implementation of its recommendations. The CNDH also made digital copies of 263 files that have not been delivered to the institution of Les Archives du Maroc.

At this meeting, the CNDH presented a digital database that collects and organizes information, data and documents related to the files of the victims and the rights holders and facilitates access to information and the necessary statistics.

Ms. Bouayach stressed that this step is a significant achievement in terms of protecting and preserving all the data and files related to the victims who lived in this period of the history of Morocco. She also added that the CNDH will deliver the rest of the files to the institution of Les Archives du Maroc within the framework of an agreement between both institutions. This process aims to preserve files of Moroccan victims of gross human rights violations.

This event was an opportunity to define the key procedures and achievements conducted by the CNDH as part of the implementation of the provisions of Law # 69/99 on archives, which focus particularly on requirements related to the implementation of the CNDH institutional archive management program, including structures, tools, instruments, and processes.

In appreciation of the preservation of memory, the CNDH presented compiled biographies of victims of detention and enforced disappearance and all bibliographical references revealing the suffering associated with past violations. 185 publications were issued between 1969 and 2023. Each book contains the title, author’s name, date of publication, publishing house, language, country in which it was issued, translation if any, gender, and the cover image. This action will contribute to facilitating access to these writings by researchers and historians to enrich and adopt them in reading contemporary history.

The CNDH with its human resources and structure will continue, in coordination with Les Archives du Maroc, to make digital copies of the paper archive, which were delivered to the institution.

CNDH presents its child-friendly Annual Report

In commemoration of National Children's Day, the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) presents its child-friendly Annual Report on Thursday 25 May 2023, at 10 a.m. at the CNDH’s headquarters in Rabat, Morocco.

Children representing various groups will participate in this event.

This Annual Report version is published within the framework of the CNDH advocacy campaign to institutionalize the Principle of Children's Participation under the slogan "I decide my fate", which was previously launched by the CNDH Chairperson in Casablanca in November 2022 on the occasion of World Children's Day.

The Principle of Participation is one of the fundamental principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Its implementation necessarily requires the development of a communication strategy aiming to ensure that children have access to data and information that is in line with their level of understanding and providing them with adequate tools and support.

The CNDH was keen to simplify several documents and publications, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, an introductory leaflet on the national redress mechanism for children, etc.

The CNDH Chairperson launched the regional consultation meetings with children on 3 February 2023 in Guelmim, Morocco, to institutionalize the principle of participation and in a view to draft the report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which will be submitted to the United Nations Committee in parallel with the national report.

GANHRI and UN meets to support National Human Rights Institutions

In her capacity as Vice President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Ms Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of Morocco’s NHRI, will lead GANHRI *high-level* human rights delegation to New York to discuss global human rights talks and priorities, including support to NHRIs.

From 23 to 25 May 2023, Ms Bouayach will lead discussions on the Annual Review Meeting of GANHRI - OHCHR - UNDP Tripartite Partnership.

Representatives of GANHRI, their regional networks (APF, ENNHRI, NANHRI, and RINDHCA), as well as UN agencies will gather at the Annual Review Meeting (24-25 May 2023) to discuss human rights issues in the current context and how best to support and build the capacity of NHRIs to promote and protect human rights.

Participants will deliberate on how best to:
- Strengthen collaboration amongst TPP partners to support NHRIs in priority areas, including capacity assessments, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, digitalization, and climate action;
- Support delivering on the Call to Action on Human Rights including with UN Country Teams and enhancing UN system support to NHRIs;
- Provide a platform for NHRIs and the UN system to enhance collaboration at global and country levels, including delivering on the Call to Action in the face of increasing reprisals against NHRIs and human rights defenders;
- Set joint and complementary priorities for engagement and support to NHRIs in the coming period.

On 25 May 2023 the TPP will also be organizing a major public event titled, “Where do we stand halfway to 2030? How national human rights institutions accelerate progress towards the SDGs”.

The event is of key significance as 2023 is the midpoint for implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Principles by the United Nations General Assembly. The event aims to:
- Demonstrate the contributions of NHRIs as key actors for sustainable development and human rights;
- Highlight the importance of establishing more Paris Principles-compliant NHRIs to support sustainable development;
- Explore opportunities to facilitate and leverage the work of NHRIs;
- Improve awareness of the challenges and risks NHRIs face and the need to strengthen protection mechanisms.

The meetings will occur in the context of TriPartite Partnership to Support National Human Rights Institutions (TPP) formed by GANHRI, UNDP, and OHCHR in 2011 with the aim to amplify the potential of NHRIs.

Partner Meeting (23 May 2023 – New York):
In the run-up to the TPP Annual Review Meeting, GANHRI will also be organizing a Partner Meeting. The meeting will aim to collectively discuss how to support GANHRI and regional network partners in the implementation of their respective strategic plans in areas of shared priorities, working in partnership, and collaboration.

Oriental Region in Morocco: Round table on child begging phenomenon in Nador province

The Regional Human Rights Commission in the Oriental Region (CRDH) is organizing, on Friday 19 May 2023, at 3 p.m. in Oujda, Morocco, a round table on the child begging phenomenon in Nador, Morocco.

Several institutional actors and civil society working on child protection will participate in this event.

This meeting will be organized as part of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and its Regional Commissions’ missions related to monitoring, observing and following up on the human rights situation at the national and regional levels.

It will be an opportunity to present the objectives, conclusions and recommendations of the CRDH monitoring process of this phenomenon, whether through social networks or direct CRDH members’ observation in Nador.

This meeting intends to share this experience and practice on a larger scale through the involvement of all stakeholders in the region.

It also aims to shed light on this phenomenon, identify the factors that worsen it and examine solutions to address and reduce it by deepening discussions about this issue/its causes, and following up on and assessing the effectiveness of public policies in this field.

Contact: +212536 71 25 72

Workshop on migrant and refugee workers’ socio-economic rights, towards an inclusive strategy related to professional field

The National Human Rights Council (CNDH), in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR-Morocco), the International Organization for Migration (IOM Morocco) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), will organize a workshop on "Socio-economic rights of migrant and refugee workers: Towards an inclusive strategy in Professional field", on Wednesday 17 May 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at the CNDH headquarters in Rabat, Morocco.

This workshop is organized as part of the CNDH’ and its partners’ efforts to support the economic and social inclusion of migrants and refugees. It is also part of the interpretation of their joint vision on the interdependence between development and the protection of fundamental rights.

Researchers, international organizations and civil society actors will reflect on the development of a comprehensive, coherent and joint strategy based on human rights approach for the economic integration of foreigners.

This workshop intends to update data related to migrants’ and refugees’ employment and self-employment and build sectoral, integrated and coherent public policies in this regard. It also aims to identify action tools to enhance accessing the employment market and improve the self-employment and employability of migrants and refugees.

Participants at this event will map out concrete recommendations/plans relating to the access of migrants and refugees to the employment market at national and local levels.

This workshop will be an opportunity to create synergies amongst relevant stakeholders.

Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, will chair the opening session of this workshop. Ms. Laura Palatini, IOM Morocco Chief of Mission, Mr. François Reybet-Degat, UNHCR Representative in Morocco and Ms. Rania Bikhazi, ILO Director in the Maghreb, will take part in this event.

Drâa-Tafilalet Region: CNDH presents its reports on the right to health and on denouncing violence against women and girls

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Drâa-Tafilalet Region (CRDH) is organizing a communication meeting, on Friday 12 May 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in Ouarzazate, Morocco, for the benefit of students of the Institut Supérieur Des Professions Infirmières Et Techniques De Santé in Ouarzazate.

This meeting will be an opportunity to present the thematic report of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) on The Effectiveness of the Right to Health, Challenges and Stakes, and Entrances to Promotion and the executive summary on Denouncing Violence against Women and Girls and Combating Impunity.

This event is part of the implementation of the CRDH action program and its partnership agreement with the regional directorate of Health and social protection.

Stakeholders will discuss strategies for implementing the CNDH’s report on the right to health recommendations in the region, particularly in terms of human resources management.

Participants will also interact on the executive summary on violence against women and girls, which emphasizes the detrimental impact of violence and inequity on women's human will and stresses that denouncing violence is a civilized and effective approach to mobilize society to combat violence against women and girls.

This meeting will also schedule a presentation introducing the CNDH and CRDHs roles and mandates.

Mrs. Fatima Aarach, CRDH President, will chair this meeting.

Contact: +212 535 79 11 82

Drâa – Tafilalet Region: Symposium on the importance of cultural heritage, Khattarat as a model

The Regional Human Rights Commission of Draa-Tafilalet Region (CRDH), the Regional Directorate of Culture, and Moulay Ismail University in Meknes, Morocco, are organizing a scientific symposium on The Importance of Cultural Heritage in the Draa-Tafilalet Region, Khattarat as a Model. This event will be held on Wednesday 10 May 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Polydisciplinary Faculty of Errachidia, Morocco.

This symposium is organized as part of the implementation of the CRDH action program 2023 and the partnership agreement with the Regional Directorate of Culture and the University of Moulay Ismail in Meknes.

Through this event, stakeholders will celebrate the Heritage Month for 2023 under the slogan: Our heritage is a pride and glory, considering that the Drâa-Tafilalet region abounds in Khattarat as a rich heritage, which constitutes a historical reference to be invested in and looked after.

This symposium aims to shed light on the Khattarat and their technical, natural, and cultural characteristics and their contributions to development. It also seeks to raise awareness of stakeholders toward the challenges facing these instruments and promote measures to preserve them. This event will also be an opportunity to update the information on Khattarat as an essential part of the regional heritage and provide a space to discuss potential solutions.

Professors, students, human rights activists, media professionals, and civil society actors will address several axes, including "Tafilalet and the water issue: Khattarat as a model"; "Sanctity of water in oasis society"; "Disputes over water in the light of local customs: Khattarat in the Draa-Tafilalet Region as an example"; "Moroccan efforts to develop and protect Khattarat", etc.

Marrakech-Safi Region: Communication Meeting on the Manual for Managing Hunger Strikes in Prisons

The Regional Human Rights Commission in the Marrakech-Safi Region (CRDH) will organize a meeting on the Practical Guide on Managing Hunger Strike in Prison, on Thursday 4 May 2023, at 9 am at the CRDH headquarters in Marrakech, Morocco.

This meeting is organized within the framework of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and its CRDHs’ missions related to protecting and promoting prisoners’ rights.

Representatives of all sectors working on following up on cases of hunger strikes will participate in this meeting.

It aims to define the working areas of these sectors and their coordination mechanisms to improve the management of these cases.

This guide was developed by a Commission composed of the Ministry of Health, National Human Rights Council (CNDH), Presidency of the Public Prosecution, and General Delegation for Prisons Administration and Reintegration, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross. This Commission also consulted various civil society actors, experts and attorneys.

The elaboration of this document was based on international guidelines, particularly those contained in the Declaration of Malta on Hunger Strikers, and founded on the principle of respecting detainees’ rights and preserving their dignity and their physical integrity.

This document is a practical tool and an essential reference for comprehensive and integrated hunger strike management. It focuses on administrative procedures and medical care that must be provided to prisoners on hunger strikes in full respect of the relevant legal requirements.

Contact: +212524420587

Draa-Tafilalet Region: Symposium on the effectiveness of linguistic and cultural rights

The Regional Human Rights Commission in the Draa-Tafilalet Region (CRDH) will organize a symposium on the effectiveness of linguistic and cultural rights, on Saturday 29 April 2023, at 9:30 am  Errachidia, Morocco.

This event is organized as part of the implementation of the CRDH action program 2023, given that linguistic and cultural pluralism is one of the significant building blocks for democracy and the promotion of human rights.

This symposium aims to thoroughly debate and dialogue on the concept of linguistic and cultural rights, strategies for their promotion and protection mechanisms.
It also intends to address the extent of the official implementation of the Amazigh language in the Draa-Tafilalet Region.

Professors, students, human rights activists, media professionals and civil society will participate in this symposium.

They will address several points, including the balanced presence of Amazigh culture in the Draa-Tafilalet region, the reality of the Amazigh language in the education system in this region, The reality of the Amazigh language in the training system in the regional centers of education and training, and the reality of the implementation of the Amazigh language from the point of view of civil society.

Contact: +212535791182