Reform of the human rights consultative council meant to reinforce its independence

Reforms brought to the Moroccan human rights consultative council (CCDH) are meant to reinforce its independence and diversification in order to promote human rights in Morocco, said the council's chairman, Omar Azziman.

This reform is to conform with the 1993 UN resolution concerning national human rights institutions and the promotion of human rights, said Azziman on Monday at a press conference.

Azziman, who was appointed to the position last December, recalled that King Mohammed VI had approved the council's propositions in relation with its reorganization, structuring and work methods.

These proposals also concern the council's internal regulations, the chairmanship and composition of work groups and of a committee to draft the annual report and the creation of a committee to follow up the situation of Moroccan expatriates.

CCDH chairman explained that the internal regulations of the council provide for the creation of five work groups in charge of human rights culture promotion, human rights protection and fighting violations, human rights and society evolution, legislation and public politics study and external relations.

Azziman said the council's annual report will reflect human rights conditions in Morocco and allow to follow the annual progress in this field and human rights breaches.

Azziman also announced the institution of an annual "Mohammed VI human rights price" to a figure or body that will be handed over by the king on the occasion of the international human rights day.

King Mohammed had approved a proposal by CCDH to create two ad-hoc commissions at the Council: one for Moroccan expatriates and one for the Moroccans sequestered in the Polisario camps in Tindouf, south-western Algeria.