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Human Rights

Conscious of its civilization, culture and international commitments, the Kingdom of Morocco embarked several years ago on a path to create a democratic and modern law-abiding state in accordance with our tolerant Islamic religion and the principles of Human Rights and fundamental human liberties.

Morocco has set the promotion of Human rights, of fundamental liberties, of the international humanitarian law, gender equality, and the fight against discrimination as one of the major aspects of its role in the international community. In this regard, it is to be noted that Morocco played an active role in the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993 and presided over one of its task forces.

The civil society participates fully in the different political, economic and social activities as well. The NGO’s are considered as partners by authorities and are very active in several domains such as the promotion of Human Rights, women’s and children’s rights, charitable activities, and the fight against poverty.

Morocco has signed nearly all of the international conventions and agreements aimed at guaranteeing every human being his rights and his dignity. Respecting the obligations ensuing from its international commitments is a priority for the Moroccan government which presents regular reports to each of the ratified agreements. Likewise, Moroccan law-makers are constantly working to integrate the various Pacts and Conventions into national legislation.

Moreover, in order to enrich the cultural and ethnic diversity of Morocco, the Royal Institute of the Amazighe Culture (IRCA) was created in October 2001 to promote the national heritage of the berbers and their various forms of expression. For example, in 2003 and 2004 the teaching of the Amazighe language was introduced in several primary schools throughout the Kingdom. When he acceded to the throne in 1999, His Majesty Mohammed VI set out to lay the foundations for a modern and democratic Moroccan society. Since this time, Morocco has undergone dramatic reforms in all areas of government. In the past five years, the Moroccan Government has taken significant steps toward greater democracy and toward modernizing the Moroccan economy and society. King Mohammed VI and Parliament have accomplished significant lofty goals during this time, ranging from major advances in the realm of human rights to vast economic improvements. The Canadian Government released a report this year naming King Mohammed VI “one of the leading reformers in the Arab world ... represent[ing] the best hope for the development of Islamic democracy in the Arab world.” Following are some of the reforms achieved by the Moroccan Government under the leadership of King Mohammed VI :

  • Establishment of democratic processes and institutions resulting in internationally recognized “free, fair and transparent” elections in 2002.
  • Sweeping judicial reforms constructed to strengthen the rights of individual Moroccan citizens.
  • Family law reforms declaring the equal status of women and men.
  • Establishment of a commission to investigate past government abuses and make reparations accordingly.
  • New labor laws guaranteeing a work week of 45 hours or less, maternity leave, higher minimum wage, earlier retirement options, and increased job security.
  • Aggressive economic policies pursuing increased international trade and improving Moroccan infrastructure.
  • Diplomatic foreign policy targeting terrorism in addition to domestic policy protecting peaceful Moroccan Islam and preventing extremism.