Human Rights body proposes strengthening Morocco's penal code

The Moroccan advisory Council on Human Rights "Conseil Consultatif des Droits de l'Homme" (CCDH) has proposed the "strengthening and upgrading" of Morocco's penal code as well as the stepping up of efforts in communication and education to "provide against racism, discrimination, hatred and violence."

In an advisory opinion, at the request of King Mohammed VI, the Council said beyond its juridical aspect, the royal initiative bears a high political and civilizational meaning as it evidences a strong will to make of Morocco a "land of fraternity, conviviality, tolerance, respect of others and of an ethnical, cultural and spiritual symbiosis."

The Council deemed that "the legal, equitable and efficient repression of all forms of racism, discrimination and hatred, constitute one of the fundamentals of the rule of Law and democracy. It constitutes a guarantee of the essential human right of everybody to live in security and to enjoy freedom (É)"

CCDH chairman Omar Azziman was recently received by the monarch to whom he submitted 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 highlighted 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 emphasized the major progress that has been achieved as well as the areas of inefficiency.