King Mohammed appoints ombusdman
Morocco, Politics, 12/11/2002

Morocco's King Mohammed VI appointed on Tuesday Moulay Slimane Alaoui ombudsman (Wali Diwan Al Madhalim).

By this appointment, King Mohammed VI perpetuates a tradition followed by his predecessors, who were constantly keen on setting up institutions entrusted with informing them on the injustices citizens might suffer from and to correct up the contingent errors and abuses, committed by administration officials.

"By inaugurating the "Diwan Al Madhalim" and the Consultative Council for Human Rights, Our objective is not only 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," said king Mohammed VI, during the appointment ceremony, adding that these institutions "will be contributing greatly to the legislative, judiciary and administrative reforms under way." Of the new institution's mission, the sovereign stressed "We want it to reflect our determination to ensure that the authorities and the citizens interact more closely and harmoniously, in full compliance with the requirements of equity and the rule of law," commanding former Prime Minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, for his efforts "which were instrumental in the materialization of this institution."

The Moroccan king called Moulay Slimane Alaoui "to do his best to get the institution started as soon as possible and to select competent staff members who can look into incoming complaints in all fairness." "We expect you to be the key players in the protection of human rights and in their dissemination as a culture and as a practice. Although it is a long and arduous process, We are determined to carry on with it, until it achieves its valuable objectives, namely the protection of human rights and the consolidation of justice and equity," said the king who added that other objectives include raising awareness about the duties of being a citizen and expanding opportunities for democratic participation. Inspired by the Islamic jurisprudence, the Royal initiative, set up by a royal decree issued on December 9th 2001, also draws on the principles of comparative law and experiences of democratic countries. The appointment takes place at a time where Morocco is committed to consolidate human rights, individual and collective liberties and the rule of law.

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