The action of the Moroccan justice and reconciliation commission is most positive, AI Chief
Morocco, Politics, 2/14/2005

The action of the Justice and Reconciliation Commission (IER), in charge of examining past human right violations in Morocco, by holding public hearings on the violations "is most positive," said Claudio Cordone, Director general of Amnesty International.

AI Director general told the Moroccan news agency MAP he welcomes the creation of the IER and he is "encouraged by the work the commission is doing to prevent past violations to occur again."

"On the basis of our experience in fighting human rights violation, we encourage this kind of approach which combines fact finding, acknowledgment of victim existence and compensation," Cordone said paying tribute to Moroccan efforts of democratisation and enhancement of the rule of law.

The setting up of the commission comes in an important phase of the perfecting of the Moroccan democratic structure, he said expressing AI will to support IER action by expertise and information sharing.

Cordone said IER public hearings on past human rights violations are a development that deserves credit for the initiative enables the victim to speak openly of their suffering, adding other countries of the region and the world can get inspiration from the experience of Morocco, that is resolved to shelve the dossier.

The IER started last December a series of public hearings on past human rights violations that occurred in Morocco from 1956 to 1999, enabling victims of the violations give testimonies. The hearings were held in the towns of Rabat, Figuig, Errachdia and Khenifra.

AI chief expressed satisfaction at the dynamism of the media and civil society in Morocco and at the Moroccan officials readiness to conduct franc debates on human rights issues.

Claudio Cordone, who headed an AI delegation, on a visit to Morocco last January 5 through 21, said members of the delegation noted among Moroccan officials a will not to tolerate any torture or mistreatment act. He hailed the Moroccan bill on the criminalization of torture.

The passage of the Family code, which, inter alia, reinforces the rights of women, is a major progress and is evidence of the will of Morocco to go ahead with the enhancement of women rights.

Previous Stories:
  Rights body holds parallel dialog sessions to public hearings   (2/12/2005)
  Fatema Zhiri: I almost miscarried under torture   (2/8/2005)
  Former detainee: I lived with donations of good-doers after my husband's execution   (2/8/2005)

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