King Mohammed underlines compatibility between Islamic ideals and universal human rights standards
Morocco-Regional, Politics, 2/28/2004

Morocco's King Mohammed VI underlined this Friday before human rights ministers from French-speaking countries that "Islamic ideals and values, which are based on the respect for human dignity, freedom, equality, justice and solidarity, are in line with universal standards and principles," stressing that the set of bold measures taken in Morocco illustrate this.

In a message to participants in the follow-up committee of the human rights national institutions of French-speaking countries, meeting in Marrakesh this Feb.27-28, the sovereign cited as part of reforms illustrating Islam's compatibility with universal human rights standards the reform of the Family Law, which does justice to women and protects the rights of children, the creation of new institutions and mechanisms to serve citizens and ensure effective exercise of human rights, in addition to enhancing the autonomy and expanding the powers of bodies and institutions in charge of human rights and freedom of expression, to safeguard pluralism and consolidate the democratic process.

The new family law "does justice to women by removing the iniquities endured by them and putting them on equal footing with men as far as rights and obligations are concerned. The new Family Law is also meant to protect the rights of children and preserve the dignity of men, within a united, jointly-managed family."

The royal message, read out by human rights minister, Mohamed Aujjar, also listed the creation of an audio-visual communication Authority and the restructuring of Advisory Council for human rights, in addition to encouraging greater involvement of civil society and enhancing the participation of women in constitutional institutions and in senior civil service positions.

"Likewise, went on the sovereign, an ombudsman's office, known as Diwan al-Madhalim, has been created to serve as a mediator between citizens É for the purpose of ensuring fair treatment, promoting equity and consolidating the rule of law."

Other measures underscored by the king include the creation of a Justice and Reconciliation Commission, "in order to heal the wounds of victims of arbitrary detention and forced disappearance."

Morocco's ten-year education and training charter also includes a specific program on the human rights practice and culture, said the king, insisting that responsible citizenship and respect for human rights are Morocco's bulwark against the perils currently threatening the world, and against all forms of terror, including insidious intellectual terrorism.

"We also mean to fight bigotry and intolerance, and take the necessary measures to foster a tradition of respect for others and for the right to be different," in keeping with "unwavering commitment to human rights and the promotion of the culture of democracy, while always remaining open to state-of-the-art experiences and legislation in other countries."

The message further stressed that Morocco does confine belonging to Francophony in its sheer language aspect, but "considers the common values of the Francophony and its cultural and human heritage to be the legacy of a specific historical period," which drawbacks Morocco and France have succeeded in overcoming to build a model strategic partnership based on linguistic diversity, cultural interaction and the spread of the Francophony to other fields.

After hailing the performance of the International Francophony Organization, which musters over 50 countries, and its steady commitment to fostering cultural diversity, the king expressed Morocco's readiness to put its experience at the disposal of other member-states, reckoning that each experience has its specific cultural background.

Democratic practice remains the most effective means to face today's challenges; the exercise of democracy is also our ultimate goal for the fulfillment of the legitimate aspirations of current and future generations," the royal message concluded.

The Marrakesh conference is bringing together human rights and justice ministers from 24 countries, as well as human rights militants, magistrates and legal experts.

This is the first session of the follow-up committee. (MAP)SH

King Mohammed VI to Visit Quake-Stricken Al Hoceima Saturday

TANGIERS, Feb.27 (MAP)- King Mohammed VI will be visiting the region of Al Hoceima, jolted Tuesday by a 6.5 degree quake that left 571 dead and over 400 wounded.

The sovereign, who will stay in a camp to closely follow assistance operations, went to Tangiers on Tuesday following the quake to supervise and follow directly the evolution of the situation in the province of Al Hoceima.

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