Morocco committed to closing human rights dossier, Youssoufi says

Morocco is committed to close once and for all the human rights dossier, Moroccan Premier, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, said.

Late King Hassan II, who passed away last July 23, had already started clearing dossier with royal pardons for people sued in political cases, Youssoufi told Saudi Al-Madina daily.

He also recalled the creation of the Human Rights Advisory Council (CCDH), which groups all political trends and unions in Morocco.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the determination expressed by King Mohammed VI to consolidate the rule of law.

King Mohammed VI recently ordered the study of forced disappearance cases and of moral and material damage caused under custody. The King also announced the creation of an arbitration committee that will assess the nature and amount of compensations to be paid to the concerned persons.

Youssoufi insisted that the freedom of speech is guaranteed in Morocco as testified by the various political parties, which are currently active at the Moroccan scene.

The Moroccan authorities have been aware since independence from France in 1956 of the need to endow the country with a legal arsenal, preserving public freedom, guaranteeing political pluralism and opening the way for civil society associations, he said.

The creation of the CCDH and of a Human Rights Ministry crowns a long struggle waged by the Moroccan civil society for the respect of the rights guaranteed by the law, Youssoufi added.