King Mohammed appoints chairman, secretary general and new members of human rights consultative council
Morocco, Politics, 12/11/2002

Morocco's King Mohammed appointed this Tuesday Omar Azziman, a former justice and human rights minister, as chairman of the Human Rights Consultative Council (CCDH) and Driss Benzekri as secretary general of the same council.

The sovereign also appointed the news CCDH members, including 11 members nominated by the king, 12 members nominated by human rights-advocacy associations, 9 members nominated by political parties and trade unions and 6 members proposed by the Ulema (Islamic theologians) associations, magistrates, lawyers, medical doctors, university professors and the Hassan II foundation of Moroccans settled abroad.

During the ceremony that took place as the world is marking the international human rights day (December 10th), the sovereign called the new CCDH staff "to be the key players in the protection of human rights and in their dissemination as a culture and as a practice."

After he voiced resolve to carry on the long and arduous process "until it achieves its valuable objectives, namely the protection of human rights and the consolidation of justice and equity," the king stated that other objectives pursued "include raising awareness about the duties of being a citizen and expanding opportunities for democratic participation."

The king further stated that the "Diwan Al Madhalim" (Ombudsman) inaugurated in the same ceremony and the Consultative Council for Human Rights are not only meant to "reinforce the existing institutions which assist Our Majesty in protecting the citizen's rights, but it is also to provide the country with institutions devoted to tracking disorders and redressing possible abuses with respect to the citizen's rights. "These institutions, by putting forward practical suggestions, will be contributing greatly to the legislative, judiciary and administrative reforms under way," the king insisted. We expect the members of the Council to make a sincere and concerted effort to build on what has already been achieved by this institution since it was established by Our late father His Majesty King Hassan II."

The sovereign further instructed the CCDH "to devise a rational and realistic approach for the protection of human rights." He stressed that the advisory body "should also become a forum for constructive interaction between the political community, civil society and policy-makers," adding "its mission is to initiate honest discussions and come up with advice and recommendations to help us enforce the rule of law, uphold justice and give those who can help, an opportunity to play their part in the building of democracy in Morocco." The CCDH was further called to endeavour for the safeguarding of the rights of Moroccan nationals sequestered in Tindouf and for the protection of the dignity of Moroccan expatriates. "Given the increasing impact of human rights on international relations, We urge the Council, in cooperation with similar international advisory bodies which are chaired by Morocco, to safeguard the rights of our loyal subjects who are confined at Tindouf, in complete disregard for all relevant international conventions," the sovereign said. "We also urge the Council to work in coordination with similar institutions for the protection of the dignity of Moroccan residents abroad," he went. Of the choice of the CCDH new members, the king said they selected them taking into account their qualification in terms of objectivity and genuine commitment to human rights as well their contribution to the consolidation of these rights. The members nominated by the sovereign are: Mohamed Moatassim, Mahjoubi Aherdane, Mohamed Chafik, Halima Ouarzazi, Assia El Ouadia, Najat M'jid, Albert Sasson, Brahim Hakim, Mehdi Qotbi, Mbarek Bouderga, Abdelaziz Benzakour.

Members who were proposed by human rights associations are: Hammou Ouhalli, Ahmed Chaouki Benyoub, Mohamed Abdelhadi El Kabbab, Amina Lamrini Ouahabi, Latifa Jbabdi, Mustapha Daniel, Abdelaziz Bennis, Abderrahim Harouchi, Mohamed Berdouzi, Bensalem Himmich, Mohamed Al Khadiri and Mahjoub El Haiba.

The third group composed of members whose candidacy was proposed by political parties and trade unions are: Fattoum Kaddama, Faycal El Khatib, Mustapha Ramid, Mustapha Iznasni, Mohamed Jaouhari, Aicha Khamlich, Mohamed Adib, Mohamed Al Amin Fechtali and Abderrazak Afilal.

As to CCDH members who were nominated by the Ulema (Islamic theologians) associations, magistrates, lawyers, medical doctors, university professors and the Hassan II foundation of Moroccans settled abroad, they are Mohamed Yessef, Mustapha Jalal, Mohamed Mustapha Raissouni, Hamid Rifai, Faouzia Guedira and Driss Ajbali.

Previous Stories:
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  King Mohammed receives US under-secretary for MENA region   (12/10/2002)
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