Moroccan justice qualified for implementing new family code

Morocco's Justice Minister, Mohamed Bouzoubaa, said Thursday that "Moroccan justice is well qualified for a better implementation of the family code."

Addressing a periodical meeting with the kingdom's magistrates to survey ongoing reforms in this sector, the minister announced that a commission has been set up to prepare quickly a practical guide for (the interpretation) of the code.

Besides, sections in charge of family justice will be operational in all courts by the end of March 2004, said the official. He also added that 30 family justice specialized magistrates will be trained and special training sessions will be organized for magistrates working in this field. The new Family Code, announced by Moroccan King Mohammed VI at the opening, last October, of the parliament fall session, guarantees equality between men and women. Its implementation has been a source of concern for some women activists who fear the current justice system may not be well adapted to these reforms.