Human rights promotion, priority goal for Morocco, minister
Morocco-International, Politics, 3/23/2000

The promotion of human rights and consolidation of the rule of the law are priority goals in the Moroccan state policy, and the orientation is consecrated and solemnly backed by the king of Morocco.

The statement was made in Geneva Wednesday by Moroccan minister of Human rights Mohamed Aujjar before the 56th session of the human rights commission.

Aujjar surveyed the efforts made by Morocco to promote human rights and consecrate the rule of law and the moves conducted to ensure a harmonious development of the country and to guarantee to all Moroccans dignity and justice as well as social, economic, political and civil rights.

He mentioned some of the practical measures adopted such as the decision made by king Mohammed VI to set up an independent commission entrusted with granting compensation to the missing people and victims of arbitrary detention or their rightful claimants. He described the decision as of paramount importance as it definitely settled a painful dossier.

The way the issue of political prisoners and missing persons has been settled is meant to reconcile Moroccans with their history, rehabilitate the victims and their families and recognize the responsibility of the state, through the very principle of a fair compensation, in line with international criteria, he said.

Aujjar added that the government is implementing a major program for adapting the national legislation to international human rights charters and conventions. The initiative started with public liberties as the constraints limiting freedom have been eliminated and the prisons law which is now compliant with the international standards. Other texts reforming the press, the setting up of associations and the holding of public rallies will be submitted to the parliament during this legislative year.

Morocco is also working out a national program for human rights education with the objective of making schools promote human rights values among mounting generations, the official said.

Another program for the promotion of human rights through mass media was launched with the aim to make TV, radio and newspapers adhere to the dissemination of human rights culture and fostering freedom of opinion, Aujjar said.

He also announced the dedication by the end of next April of an international center for human rights training that will provide adequate training to those in charge of law enforcement and to NGOs members. The center is set up in cooperation with the UN high commissioner for human rights and the UN Development Program, he said.

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