Positive ties between Morocco's NGOs, government praised

The Arab Association of Civil Society Network praised the healthy and positive ties between NGOs and the State in Morocco.

Contrary to several Arab countries, where laws gagging civil freedom are still enforced, NGOs and the Government of Morocco succeeded to reach harmony, the Network said in a recent report.

Several Moroccan NGOs are now interested in political life and a network of associations active in the realms of development, youth, human rights have has seen the light of day to monitor the legislative elections of last September, the report said, deploring that other Arab governments have been marginalizing NGOs from the political sphere.

With 7.000 NGO, Morocco tops Arab countries, where 40.000 NGOs are active. The Moroccan civil society has become a social partner contributing to the promotion of democratisation and promoting citizens' participation in different fields.

The Arab Network lauded Morocco's success to develop political openness, improve the civil and human rights' spirit and enhance the foundations of democracy.

The Moroccan NGOs have enlarged their field of action last year to include health services, social security, regional development and Human rights, the report said, adding that political changes in Morocco have positively impacted the action of NGOs.