Human rights high commissioner pleads for recognition of NGOs action

The UN High commissioner for human rights, Mary Robinson, has pleaded for the recognition of the efforts and action conducted by Moroccan non-governmental organizations to promote human rights.

Robinson said at a news conference in Rabat Sunday, a few hours before leaving the kingdom, that she had been "deeply impressed" by Moroccan NGOs action.

She said that the women and children rights advocacy NGOs she met in Rabat have voiced disappointment because their efforts are not recognized.

Underlining the role of the civil society in upgrading human rights, Robinson hailed the dynamism of the Moroccan civil society which is deeply involved in human rights promotion.

Robinson, who had attended on Saturday the dedication ceremony in Rabat of a center for human rights documentation, information and training, said the center will consolidate the independence of the civil society and will surely improve its relationship with the authorities. This will be beneficial to human rights culture, she said.

The UN high commissioner also stressed the importance of fostering cooperation between national institutions in charge of human rights promotion and protection at the regional level.

Robinson-- who attended the closing session of the 5th international forum of national institutions in charge of human rights promotion and protection held in Rabat April 13-15-- was received by King Mohammed VI and conferred with several officials, including Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi, as well as with members of the human rights advisory council (CCDH), human rights activities and members of NGOs operating in the field of human rights protection and promotion.