Morocco poised to definitively shelve past human rights violations cases

Chairman of the Consultative Council of Human Rights (CCDH), Omar Aziman, said Monday Morocco is poised to shelve once and for all cases of past human rights violations, mainly through the creation of the "Equity and Reconciliation Committee."

Speaking at the opening of an encounter on the Committee, incepted last November 6, Azziman said the new body serves the ultimate objective that is reconciliation, so that the page of past violations be turned definitively.

The body will be in charge of pursuing the out-of-court settlement of past human rights abuses related to forced disappearances and arbitrary detention and complete a fair and equitable rehabilitation of victims.

The CCDH chairman assured that the resolve to turn the page will help consolidate the rule of the law, stressing how unique the Moroccan experience in the field is.

Azziman also hailed the action of human rights associations underlining that the divergence of views between them and the CCDH is natural, since these associations aim for an "ideal and absolute framework" while the council is handling the question using concrete data.

Human rights minister, Mohammed Aujjar, said the creation of "Equity and Reconciliation committee" evidences a genuine political determination to put an end to injustices, and Morocco's choice as far as democracy and human rights are concerned.

The encounter features two workshops. The first focuses on the context, significance and objectives of the commission, while the second deals with the role of politicians and human rights people in the equity and reconciliation process.

The meeting gathered representatives of the CCDH, human rights organizations, unions and ministries.