Morocco bets on modernity and development, says ambassador

Morocco is convinced that by lifting the juridical discriminations which were hampering women emancipation, it is betting on modernity, development and the right leadership, said, in New York Friday, Morocco's Ambassador to the United Nations.

Addressing the 3rd Committee of the UN General Assembly,(in charge of social, cultural and humanitarian issues), which was discussing the situation of women around the world, Mohamed Bennouna underlined Morocco's commitment to women emancipation that will allow them win back their dignity and rights.

He mentioned in this regard the latest reform of the "Mudawana" (Family Code) announced last week by King Mohammed VI at the opening of the parliament after the summer recess.

The new Family Code, which is conforming to precepts of Islam and respectful of the basic human rights, guarantees equality of rights and duties of the two spouses and strengthen family ties, said the Moroccan diplomat.

This reform, welcomed as "revolutionary" by the Moroccan society and by the international media, places the family under the joint responsibility of the husband and wife, sets stringent conditions that make polygamy almost impossible, reorganizes divorce procedures and raises marriage age for women from 15 to 18.