European parliament hails Morocco's efforts in human rights

The European parliament hailed Thursday Morocco's efforts in human rights, expressing support to the reforms ushered in the country, notably those related to the Family Code and the incrimination of torture.

In a report on "human rights in the world (in 2004) and EU's policy in the matter," adopted Thursday in Brussels, the European parliament hailed the "efforts made by Morocco to determine the fate of victims of past human right violations, particularly through the setting up of the Justice and Reconciliation Commission."

The Commission was set up in Morocco in January 2004 to look into cases of "disappearance" and arbitrary detention which occurred between 1956 and 1999. Its activities, covered by the local and international media, included public hearings on torture and disappearances.

The European parliament acknowledges in the report the breakthrough realized in the country through the ban of torture and through the compensation of victims. It also voices support to ongoing reforms such as the Family Code adopted by the Moroccan parliament in January 2004 and the draft law criminating torture adopted in December 2004.

On the other hand, the European parliament encouraged Morocco to "pursue dialogue" with the European Union to address the problem of illegal emigration.