Colloquium notes positive evolution of freedom in Morocco

Participants in an international colloquium on "democratic transition and human rights issues in Morocco," held this Nov.25-26 in Rabat noted the extension of freedoms in Morocco over the past ten years.

In a statement released at the end of the conference--sponsored by German Friedrich Naumann foundation, the Moroccan Human Rights Organization and the Cairo institute of human rights studies-- participants said this positive evolution was made possible thanks to the state's resolve to consolidate human rights, consecrating therefore, democratic process.

Participants also noted the serious challenges facing democratic evolution in Morocco, resulting from difficulties to cope with "a heavy legacy of human rights breaches and the crumbling of the electoral process, in addition to the justice and administration poor performances."

The colloquium concluded that it is necessary to turn the page of past human rights violation and use the readiness of militants to contribute to dialogue and successfully take up the challenge of transition and consolidation of the rule of law foundations in the perspective of the upcoming elections.

Researchers and human rights militants debated the role of the state in the democratization process and teachings drawn from the Moroccan experience in the regional Arab context.

Morocco's human rights advisory council, set up in 1992, was cited as a model in view of the importance of issues it addressed, including cases of missing people. Participants said the Council should be open to all human rights actors.