Human rights council hands 1st report to King Mohammed

Morocco's King Mohammed VI received Thursday, the chairman of the Consultative Council of Human Rights (CCDH), Omar Azziman, who submitted to the monarch the 2003 report on the situation of human rights in Morocco.

The report, the first of its kind since the Council's mandate was expanded pursuant to its amended statutes, was unanimously adopted by the Council at its 21st session last April 23.

Issued by an independent institution placed under the King's authority, the report highlights in an objective and impartial manner the accomplishments and advances made with respect to the protection and promotion of human rights, as well as shortcomings, abuses and excesses which have been pointed out in this connection.

The CCDH chairman also submitted to the sovereign another report in connection with the situation in penitentiaries.

Prepared in light of the advanced legislation adopted in 1999 on the subject, the report emphasizes the major progress that has been achieved as well as the areas of inefficiency.

After being apprised of the content of the Council's progress report for 2003 as well as its projects for the future, the monarch paid tribute to the Council for the responsible way in which it discharged its mission and urged it to step up efforts to play its advisory role fully and act as a link between the authorities and society.

The king reaffirmed his determination to carry on with the task of building a democratic society working for, and relying on, the commitment to human rights, combined with a sense of civic responsibility.